NEUROACTIVE SUBSTITUTED CYCLOPENTA[b]PHENANTHRENES AS MODULATORS FOR GABA TYPE-A RECEPTORS

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is generally directed to neuroactive substituted cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes as referenced herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for use as, for example, an anesthetic, and/or in the treatment of disorders relating to GABA function and activity. The present disclosure is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application and claims priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,219, filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and which claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/776,395, filed on Mar. 11, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

This invention was made with Government support under NIH Grant #GM47969, awarded by the National Institute of Health. The Government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally directed to novel compounds having utility as an anesthetic and/or in the treatment of disorders relating to GABA function and activity. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes having a substituted tetracyclic structure that are neuroactive and suitable for use as an anesthetic, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. GABA activates two types of receptors, the inotropic GABA_(A) and the metabotropic GABA_(B) receptor. Activation of the GABA_(B) receptor by GABA causes hyperpolarization and a resultant inhibition of neurotransmitter release. The GABA_(A) receptor subtype regulates neuronal excitability and rapid mood changes, such as anxiety, panic, and stress response. GABA_(A) receptors are chloride ion channels; as a result, activation of the receptor induces increased inward chloride ion flux, resulting in membrane hyperpolarization and neuronal inhibition. Drugs that stimulate GABA_(A) receptors, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, have anticonvulsive effects (by reducing neuronal excitability and raising the seizure threshold), as well as anxiolytic and anesthetic effects.

The effect of certain steroids on GABA_(A) receptors has been well-established. As a result, researchers continue to pursue the discovery and synthesis of neuroactive steroids that may act as anesthetics and/or that may serve to provide treatment for disorders related to GABA function. For example, it is now widely accepted that the intravenous anesthetic alphaxalone (Compound A, below) causes general anesthesia in humans because it allosterically increases chloride currents mediated by GABA acting at GABA_(A) receptors in the brain. However, the various structural features that enable this compound to function in the way it does have, to-date, not been fully understood.

In particular, the effect of changing the manner in which the four rings of neurosteroids are connected and the locations of the substituents on them is not completely understood. It was shown for two compounds that moving the B-ring of the steroid cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene ring system to obtain the cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene ring system could yield active compounds as shown in FIG. 1 by creating FIG. 1C from FIG. 1A and by creating FIG. 1D from FIG. 1B (Scaglione, et al., “Neurosteroid Analogues. 14. Alternative Ring System Scaffolds: GABA Modulatory and Anesthetic Actions of Cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes and Cyclopenta[b]anthracenes,” J. Med. Chem., Vol. 51, Pages 1309-1318 (2008)). The other structural details of additional neuroactive cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes, however, are unknown and are the subject of this disclosure.

In addition to anesthetic properties, neuroactive cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes may be used to treat disorders related to GABA function. For example, neuroactive cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes may be used as sedative-hypnotics, exhibiting benzodiazepine-like actions, inducing reduced sleep latency and increased non-REM sleep with only small changes in slow wave and REM sleep. Further, drugs that enhance GABA responses are often used to treat anxiety in humans. Thus, it might be expected that GABA-potentiating cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes would exhibit anxiolytic effects. Neuroactive cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes may also be used to treat depression, given that accumulating evidence suggests that patients with major depression have decreased levels of GABAergic neurosteroids and that certain treatments for depression alter levels of these neurosteroids. Although GABA is not typically thought to play a critical role in the biology of depression, there is evidence that low GABAergic activity may predispose one to mood disorders. Finally, inhibition of NMDA receptors and enhancement of GABA_(A) receptors appear to play important roles in mediating the acute effects of ethanol in the nervous system, while related studies suggest that GABAergic neurosteroids may be involved in some of the pharmacological effects of ethanol and that neuroactive neurosteroids may be useful in treating ethanol withdrawal. Thus, cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes as analogues of endogenous neurosteroids may be useful for treating these conditions.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that there are a number of potentially advantageous uses for cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes. As a result, there is a continuing need for the further synthesis and understanding of new neuroactive cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes, particularly those having utility as an anesthetic and/or in the treatment of a disorder relating to GABA function and activity.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a compound having a structure of Formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

wherein:

R₁ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(z), where R_(z) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-CN, β-OH, β-OR_(y), where R_(y) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(x), where R_(x) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₂ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(w), where R_(w) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-CN, β-OH, β-OR_(v), where R_(v) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(u), where R_(u) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₃ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(t), where R_(t) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, —CN, β-OH, β-OR_(s), where R_(s) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(r), where R_(r) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₄ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₅ is H, CO₂R_(q), where R_(q) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂OR_(p), where R_(p) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, C(O)R_(o), where R_(o) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, C(O)NHR_(n), where R_(n) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂NHR_(m), where R_(m) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂N(CH₃)₂, or CH₂N(CH₂CH₃)₂;

R₆ is H, ═O, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, OR_(l), where R_(l) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, or NR_(k), where R_(k) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl;

R₇ is H, ═O, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, OR_(j), where R_(j) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, or NR_(i) where R_(i) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl;

R₈ is H, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, optionally substituted morpholinyl, or OR_(h), where R_(h) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl;

R₉ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl;

R₁₀ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₁₁ is H or C(O)R_(g), where R_(g) is optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl;

- - - denotes an optional, additional C—C bond, resulting in either a C═C bond between, C₁-C₂, C₄-C_(4a), C_(4a)-C₅, C₈-C₉, or C₉-C₁₀, with the provisos that when present between: (i) C₄-C_(4a), the C_(4a)—H substituent is not present; (ii) C_(4a)-C₅, the C_(4a)—H substituent is not present and R₇ is other than ═O; (iii) C₉-C₁₀, R₁ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(z), and R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w); and, (iv) C₈-C₉, R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w), and R₃ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(t); and,

with the proviso that:

when C_(4a)—H is in the α-configuration, R₄=methyl and R₁=R₂=R₅=R₆=R₇=R₈=R₉=R₁₀=R₁₁ is H, R₃ is other than ═O or spiroepoxy.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a compound having a structure of Formula (II):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

wherein:

R₁ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(z), where R_(z) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(y), where R_(y) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(x), where R_(x) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₂ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(w), where R_(w) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(v), where R_(v) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(u), where R_(u) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₃ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(t), where R_(t) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(s), where R_(s) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(r), where R_(r) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₄ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₅ is H, CO₂R_(q), where R_(q) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂OR_(p), where R_(p) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, C(O)R_(o), where R_(o) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, C(O)NHR_(n), where R_(n) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂NHR_(m), where R_(m) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂N(CH₃)₂, or CH₂N(CH₂CH₃)₂;

R₆ is H;

R₇ is H, ═O, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, OR_(j), where R_(j) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, or NR_(i), where R_(i) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl;

R₉ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl;

R₁₀ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₁₁ is H or C(O)R_(g), where R_(g) is optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl;

R₁₂ is H, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, optionally substituted morpholinyl, or OR_(h), where R_(h) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl; and,

- - - denotes an optional, additional C—C bond, resulting in either a C═C bond between, C₁-C₂, C₄-C_(4a), C_(4a)-C₅, C₈-C₉, or C₉-C₁₀, with the provisos that when present between: (i) C₄-C_(4a), the C_(4a)—H substituent is not present; (ii) C_(4a)-C₅, the C_(4a)—H substituent is not present and R₇ is other than ═O; (iii) C₉-C₁₀, R₁ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(z), and R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w); and, (iv) C₈-C₉, R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w), and R₃ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(t).

The present disclosure is still further directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the above-noted cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present disclosure also provides kits comprising cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes, salts thereof, and/or pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

The present disclosure further provides methods of inducing anesthesia in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the above-noted cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.

The present disclosure further provides methods of treating disorders related to GABA function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the above-noted cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof. In certain embodiments, the disorder is selected from the group consisting of insomnia, mood disorders, convulsive disorders, Fragile X syndrome, anxiety, or symptoms of ethanol withdrawal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an exemplary embodiment of a cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene.

FIG. 1B is an exemplary embodiment of a cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene.

FIG. 1C is an exemplary embodiment of a cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene.

FIG. 1D is an exemplary embodiment of a cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present disclosure, it has been discovered that compounds having certain substituted cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene structures are neuroactive and are also suitable for use as anesthetics and in the treatment of disorders associated with GABA function, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds may be used, for example, as an effective continuous infusion sedative for non-surgical procedures (e.g., colonoscopy). The compounds also offer advantages over anesthetics known in the art, such as a lower likelihood for bacterial contamination, as well as an improved relationship with solubilizing agents.

1A. CYCLOPENTA[B]PHENANTHRENE STRUCTURE

Generally speaking, in one embodiment, the cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene of the present disclosure has a tetracyclic, fused ring structure (an embodiment of which is illustrated and discussed in greater detail below), wherein the C₃-position of the A ring has a hydroxyl or an ester substituent in the alpha configuration, the C₈ position has a substituent attached thereto selected from the group consisting of H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(t), where R_(t) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, —CN, β-OH, β-OR_(s), where R_(s) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-NO₂, spiroepoxy, and C(O)R_(r), where R_(r) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl.

More particularly, however, the present disclosure is directed, in certain embodiments, to a cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene having the structure of Formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

wherein:

R₁ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(z), where R_(z) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-CN, β-OH, β-OR_(y), where R_(y) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(x), where R_(x) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₂ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(w), where R_(w) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-CN, β-OH, β-OR_(v), where R_(v) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(u), where R_(u) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₃ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(t), where R_(t) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, —CN, β-OH, β-OR_(s), where R_(s) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(r), where R_(r) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₄ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₅ is H, CO₂R_(q), where R_(q) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂OR_(p), where R_(p) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, C(O)R_(o), where R_(o) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, C(O)NHR_(n), where R_(n) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂NHR_(m), where R_(m) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂N(CH₃)₂, or CH₂N(CH₂CH₃)₂;

R₆ is H, ═O, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, OR_(l) where R_(l) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, or NR_(i), where R_(i) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, optionally or substituted aryl;

R₇ is H, ═O, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, OR_(j), where R_(j) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, or NR_(i), where R_(i) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl;

R₅ is H, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, optionally substituted morpholinyl, or OR_(h), where R_(h) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl;

R₉ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl;

R₁₀ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₁₁ is H or C(O)R_(g), where R_(g) is optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl;

- - - denotes an optional, additional C—C bond, resulting in either a C═C bond between, C₁-C₂, C₄-C_(4a), C_(4a)-C₅, C₈-C₉, or C₉-C₁₀, with the provisos that when present between: (i) C₄-C_(4a), the C_(4a)—H substituent is not present; (ii) C_(4a)-C₅, the C_(4a)—H substituent is not present and R₇ is other than ═O; (iii) C₉-C₁₀, R₁ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(z), and R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w); and, (iv) C₈-C₉, R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w), and R₃ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(t); and,

with the proviso that:

when C_(4a)—H is in the a-configuration, R₄=methyl and R₁=R₂=R₅=R₆=R₇=R₈=R₉=R₁₀=R₁₁ is H, R₃ is other than ═O or spiroepoxy.

As generally defined above, R₁ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(z), where R_(z) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-CN, β-OH, β-OR_(y), where R_(y) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(x), where R_(x) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₁ is H.

As generally defined above, R₂ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(w), where R_(w) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-CN, β-OH, β-OR_(v), where R_(v) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(u), where R_(u) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₂ is H.

As generally defined above, R₃ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(t), where R_(t) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, —CN, β-OH, β-OR_(s), where R_(s) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(r), where R_(r) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In certain embodiments, R₃ is ═CHCN. In other certain embodiments, R₃ is β-NO₂. In yet other certain embodiments, R₃ is ═O. In other certain embodiments, R₃ is spiroepoxy. In other certain embodiments, R₃ is β-CN. In still other certain embodiments, R₃ is C(O)CH₃.

As generally defined above, R₄ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₄ is methyl. R₄ is in the beta configuration.

As generally defined above, R₅ is H, CO₂R_(q), where R_(q) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂OR_(p), where R_(p) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, C(O)R_(o), where R_(o) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, C(O)NHR_(n), where R_(n) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂NHR_(m), where R_(m) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂N(CH₃)₂, or CH₂N(CH₂CH₃)₂. In certain embodiments, the optionally substituted aryl is optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₅ is H. R₅ is in the beta configuration.

As generally defined above, R₆ is H, ═O, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, OR_(l) where R_(l) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, or NR_(k), where R_(k) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl. In certain embodiments, the optionally substituted aryl is optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₆ is H.

As generally defined above, R₇ is H, ═O, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, OR_(j), where R_(j) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, or NR_(i), where R_(i) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl. In certain embodiments, the optionally substituted aryl is optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₇ is H.

As generally defined above, R₈ is H, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, optionally substituted morpholinyl, or OR_(h), where R_(h) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl. In certain embodiments, the optionally substituted aryl is optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₈ is H. R₈ is in the beta configuration.

As generally defined above, R₉ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl. In certain embodiments, the optionally substituted aryl is optionally substituted phenyl. In other certain embodiments, the optionally substituted alkyl is alkyl aryl, such as alkyl benzyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₉ is H. R₉ is in the beta configuration.

As generally defined above, R₁₀ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₁₀ is H. In another preferred embodiment, R₁₀ is methyl. R₁₀ is in the beta configuration.

As generally defined above, R₁₁ is H or C(O)R_(g), where R_(g) is optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl. In one embodiment, R_(g) is optionally substituted C₁-C₁₅ alkyl, preferably optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, more preferably optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R_(g) is optionally substituted C₁-C₁₅ alkenyl, preferably optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀ alkenyl, more preferably optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkenyl. In yet another embodiment, R_(g) is optionally substituted C₁-C₁₅ alkynyl, preferably optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀ alkynyl, more preferably optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkynyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₁₁ is H.

In one embodiment, the C_(4a)—H is in the alpha configuration. In another embodiment, the C₄—H is in the beta configuration.

As generally defined above, - - - denotes an optional, additional C—C bond, resulting in either a C═C bond between, C₁-C₂, C₄-C_(4a), C_(4a)-C₅, C₈-C₉, or C₉-C₁₀, with the provisos that when present between: (i) C₄-C_(4a), the C_(4a)—H substituent is not present; (ii) C_(4a)-C₅, the C_(4a)—H substituent is not present and R₇ is other than ═O; (iii) C₉-C₁₀, R₁ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(z), and R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w); and, (iv) C₈-C₉, R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w), and R₃ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(t).

In one embodiment, a double bond is present between C₄-C_(4a). In another embodiment, a double bond is present between C_(4a)-C₅. When a double bond is present between either C₄-C_(4a) or C_(4a)-C₅, the C_(4a)—H is not present. Further, when a double bond is present between C_(4a)-C₅, R₇ is other than ═O.

In certain embodiments, a double bond is present between C₁-C₂. In other certain embodiments, a double bond is present between C₈-C₉. When a double bond is present between C₈-C₉, R₃ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(t) and R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w). In other certain embodiments, a double bond is present between C₉-C₁₀. When a double bond is present between C₉-C₁₀, R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w) and R₁ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(z).

In one embodiment a double bond is present between C₈-C₉ and R₃ is —CN.

The compound of Formula (I) is subject to the proviso that when C_(4a)—H is in the a-configuration, R₄=methyl and R₁=R₂=R₅=R₆=R₇=R₈=R₉=R₁₀=R₁₁ is H, R₃ is other than ═O or spiroepoxy.

It is to be noted that the present disclosure contemplates and is intended to encompass all of the various combinations and permutations (i.e., combinations of substituent options, locations and stereochemical configurations) possible here.

For example, in various embodiments, compounds of the present disclosure have the formula of (I-a):

wherein:

R₃ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(t), where R_(t) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, —CN, β-OH, β-OR_(s), where R_(s) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(r), where R_(r) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₁₀ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl; and,

- - - denotes an optional C—C bond, resulting in a C═C bond between C₈-C₉, with the proviso that when present, R₃ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(t);

and, with proviso that when C_(4a)—H is in the α-configuration, R₄=methyl and R₁=R₂=R₅=R₆=R₇=R₈=R₉=R₁₀=R₁₁ is H, R₃ is other than ═O or spiroepoxy.

As generally defined above in Formula (I-a), R₃ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(t), where R_(t) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, —CN, β-OH, β-OR_(s), where R_(s) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, β-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(r), where R_(r) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In certain embodiments, R₃ is ═CHCN. In other certain embodiments, R₃ is β-NO₂. In yet other certain embodiments, R₃ is ═O. In other certain embodiments, R₃ is spiroepoxy. In other certain embodiments, R₃ is β-CN. In still other certain embodiments, R₃ is C(O)CH₃.

As generally defined above in Formula (I-a), R₁₀ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₁₀ is methyl. In another preferred embodiment, R₁₀ is H. R₁₀ is in the beta configuration.

As generally defined above in Formula (I-a), - - - denotes an optional C—C bond, resulting in a C═C bond between C₈-C₉. In one embodiment a double bond is present between C₈-C₉. When a double bond is present between C₈-C₉ in Formula (I-a), R₃ is —CN.

In one embodiment, the C_(4a)—H is in the alpha configuration. In another embodiment, the C_(4a)—H is in the beta configuration.

Formula (I-a) is subject to the proviso that when C_(4a)—H is in the a-configuration, R₄=methyl and R₁=R₂=R₅=R₆=R₇=R₈=R₉=R₁₀=R₁₁ is H, R₃ is other than ═O or spiroepoxy.

Accordingly, as noted, the cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes of Formulas (I) and (I-a) may encompass a number of various structures in accordance with the present disclosure, including all of the various combinations and permutations (i.e., combinations of substituent options, locations and stereochemical configurations) possible here.

Exemplary compounds of Formula (I) include, but are not limited to:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In this regard it is to be noted that the structures provided above are of various exemplary embodiments. As such, they should not be viewed in a limiting sense.

1B. CYCLOPENTA[B]PHENANTHRENE STRUCTURE

Generally speaking, in another embodiment, the cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene of the present disclosure has a tetracyclic, fused ring structure (an embodiment of which is illustrated and discussed in greater detail below), wherein the C₃-position of the A ring has a hydroxyl or an ester substituent in the beta configuration, the C₈ position has a substituent attached thereto selected from the group consisting of H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(t), where R_(t) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(s), where R_(s) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, and C(O)R_(r), where R_(r) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl; and the C₉ position has a substituent attached thereto selected from the group consisting of H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(w), where R_(w) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(v), where R_(v) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, and C(O)R_(u), where R_(u) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl.

More particularly, however, the present disclosure is directed, in certain embodiments, to a cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene having the structure of Formula (II):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

wherein:

R₁ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(z), where R_(z) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(y), where R_(y) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(x), where R_(x) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₂ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(w), where R_(w) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(v), where R_(v) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(u), where R_(u) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₃ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(t), where R_(t) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(s), where R_(s) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(r), where R_(r) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₄ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₅ is H, CO₂R_(q), where R_(q) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂OR_(p), where R_(p) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, C(O)R_(o), where R_(o) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, C(O)NHR_(n), where R_(n) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂NHR_(m), where R_(m) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂N(CH₃)₂, or CH₂N(CH₂CH₃)₂;

R₆ is H;

R₇ is H, ═O, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, OR_(j), where R_(j) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, or NR_(i), where R_(i) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl;

R₉ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl;

R₁₀ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl;

R₁₁ is H or C(O)R_(g), where R_(g) is optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl;

R₁₂ is H, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, optionally substituted morpholinyl, or OR_(h), where R_(h) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl; and,

- - - denotes an optional, additional C—C bond, resulting in either a C═C bond between, C₁-C₂, C₄-C_(4a), C_(4a)-C₅, C₈-C₉, or C₉-C₁₀, with the provisos that when present between: (i) C₄-C_(4a), the C_(4a)—H substituent is not present; (ii) C_(4a)-C₅, the C_(4a)—H substituent is not present and R₇ is other than ═O; (iii) C₉-C₁₀, R₁ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(z), and R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w); and, (iv) C₈-C₉, R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w), and R₃ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(t).

As generally defined above, R₁ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(z), where R_(z) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(y), where R_(y) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(x), where R_(x) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₁ is H.

As generally defined above, R₂ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(w), where R_(w) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(v), where R_(v) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(u), where R_(u) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₂ is H. In another preferred embodiment, R₂ is ═O.

As generally defined above, R₃ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(t), where R_(t) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(s), where R_(s) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(r), where R_(r) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In certain embodiments, R₃ is ═O. In other certain embodiments, R₃ is spiroepoxy. In yet other certain embodiments, R₃ is α-CN. In still other certain embodiments, R₃ is α-C(O)CH₃. In other certain embodiments, R₃ is H.

As generally defined above, R₄ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₄ is methyl. R₄ is in the alpha configuration.

As generally defined above, R₅ is H, CO₂R_(q), where R_(q) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂OR_(p), where R_(p) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, C(O)R_(o), where R_(o) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, C(O)NHR_(n), where R_(n) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂NHR_(m), where R_(m) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂N(CH₃)₂, or CH₂N(CH₂CH₃)₂. In certain embodiments, the optionally substituted aryl is optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₅ is H. R₅ is in the alpha configuration.

As generally defined above, R₆ is H.

As generally defined above, R₇ is H, ═O, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, OR_(j), where R_(j) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, or NR_(i) where R_(i) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl. In certain embodiments, the optionally substituted aryl is optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₇ is H.

As generally defined above, R₉ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl. In certain embodiments, the optionally substituted aryl is optionally substituted phenyl. In other certain embodiments, the optionally substituted alkyl is optionally substituted alkyl aryl, such as alkyl benzyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₉ is H. R₉ is in the alpha configuration.

As generally defined above, R₁₀ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₁₀ is H. R₁₀ is in the alpha configuration.

As generally defined above, R₁₁ is H or C(O)R_(g), where R_(g) is optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl. In one embodiment, R_(g) is optionally substituted C₁-C₁₅ alkyl, preferably optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, more preferably optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R_(g) is optionally substituted C₁-C₁₅ alkenyl, preferably optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀ alkenyl, more preferably optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkenyl. In yet another embodiment, R_(g) is optionally substituted C₁-C₁₅ alkynyl, preferably optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀ alkynyl, more preferably optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkynyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₁₁ is H.

As generally defined above, R₁₂ is H, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, optionally substituted morpholinyl, or OR_(h), where R_(h) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl. In certain embodiments, the optionally substituted aryl is optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₁₂ is H. R₁₂ is in the alpha configuration.

In one embodiment, the C_(4a)—H is in the alpha configuration. In another embodiment, the C_(4a)—H is in the beta configuration. In another embodiment, the C_(10a)—H is in the beta configuration.

As generally defined above, - - - denotes an optional, additional C—C bond, resulting in either a C═C bond between, C₁-C₂, C₄-C_(4a), C_(4a)-C₅, C₈-C₉, or C₉-C₁₀, with the provisos that when present between: (i) C₄-C_(4a), the C_(4a)—H substituent is not present; (ii) C_(4a)-C₅, the C_(4a)—H substituent is not present and R₇ is other than ═O; (iii) C₉-C₁₀, R₁ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(z), and R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w); and, (iv) C₈-C₉, R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w), and R₃ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(t).

In one embodiment, a double bond is present between C₄-C_(4a). In another embodiment, a double bond is present between C_(4a)-C₅. When a double bond is present between either C₄-C_(4a) or C_(4a)-C₅, the C_(4a)—H is not present. Further, when a double bond is present between C_(4a)-C₅, R₇ is other than ═O.

In certain embodiments, a double bond is present between C₁-C₂. In other certain embodiments, a double bond is present between C₈-C₉. When a double bond is present between C₈-C₉, R₃ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(t) and R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w). In other certain embodiments, a double bond is present between C₉-C₁₀. When a double bond is present between C₉-C₁₀, R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w) and R₁ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(z).

It is to be noted that the present disclosure contemplates and is intended to encompass all of the various combinations and permutations (i.e., combinations of substituent options, locations and stereochemical configurations) possible here.

For example, in various embodiments, compounds of the present disclosure have the formula of (II-a):

wherein:

R₂ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(w), where R_(w) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(v), where R_(v) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(u), where R_(u) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl; and,

R₃ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(t), where R_(t) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(s), where R_(s) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(r), where R_(r) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl.

As generally defined above in Formula (II-a), R₂ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(w), where R_(w) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(v), where R_(v) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(u), where R_(u) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₂ is H. In another preferred embodiment, R₂ is ═O.

As generally defined above in Formula (II-a), R₃ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(t), where R_(t) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(s), where R_(s) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(r), where R_(r) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In certain embodiments, R₃ is ═O. In other certain embodiments, R₃ is spiroepoxy. In yet other certain embodiments, R₃ is α-CN. In still other certain embodiments, R₃ is C(O)CH₃. In other certain embodiments, R₃ is H.

Accordingly, as noted, the cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes of Formulas (II) and (II-a) may encompass a number of various structures in accordance with the present disclosure, including all of the various combinations and permutations (i.e., combinations of substituent options, locations and stereochemical configurations) possible here.

Exemplary compounds of Formula (II) include, but are not limited to:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In this regard it is to be noted that the structures provided above are of various exemplary embodiments. As such, they should not be viewed in a limiting sense.

2. METHODS OF PREPARATION AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS

It is to be noted that the compounds or cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes of the present disclosure, may in various embodiments be prepared or used in accordance with means generally known in the art. For example, in certain embodiments, the cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes of the present disclosure may be prepared or used in a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form. Suitable salt forms include, for example, citrate or chloride salt forms.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a pharmaceutical composition is disclosed that may comprise a cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene or a combination of two or more thereof in accordance with the formulas of the present disclosure. The compounds or cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes of the present disclosure, as well as the various salt forms and other pharmaceutically acceptable forms, e.g., solvates and/or hydrates of compounds described herein, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them, may in general be prepared using methods and techniques known in the art, and/or as described in the Examples provided herein.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the compounds or cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes of the present disclosure are useful for potentiating GABA at GABA_(A) receptors thereby inducing anesthesia or treating disorders related to GABA function (e.g., insomnia, mood disorders, Fragile X syndrome, convulsive disorders, anxiety disorders, or symptoms of ethanol withdrawal) in a subject, e.g., a human subject, and are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound of the instant disclosure and optionally a pharmaceutically or pharmacologically acceptable carrier.

In one aspect, provided is a method of inducing anesthesia in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the above-noted cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.

In another aspect, provided is a method of treating disorders related to GABA function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the above-noted cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof. In certain embodiments, the disorder is selected from the group consisting of insomnia, mood disorders, convulsive disorders, Fragile X syndrome, anxiety, or symptoms of ethanol withdrawal.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a therapeutically effective amount of compound is from about 5 mg/kg to about 20 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg to about 18 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg to about 16 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg to about 14 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg to about 12 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 6 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 6 mg/kg to about 9 mg/kg, about 7 mg/kg to about 9 mg/kg, or about 8 mg/kg to about 16 mg/kg. In certain embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of the compound is about 8 mg/kg. It will be appreciated that dose ranges as described herein provide guidance for the administration of provided pharmaceutical compositions to an adult. The amount to be administered to, for example, a child or an adolescent can be determined by a medical practitioner or person skilled in the art and can be lower or the same as that administered to an adult.

The exact amount of a compound required to achieve an effective amount will vary from subject to subject, depending, for example, on species, age, and general condition of a subject, identity of the particular compound(s), mode of administration, and the like. The desired dosage can be delivered three times a day, two times a day, once a day, every other day, every third day, every week, every two weeks, every three weeks, or every four weeks. In certain embodiments, the desired dosage can be delivered using multiple administrations (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, or more administrations). In other certain embodiments, the compound may be administered via continuous intravenous (IV) infusion, such as used by those commonly skilled in the art of general anesthesia.

It will be also appreciated that a compound or composition, as described herein, can be administered in combination with one or more additional therapeutically active agents. The compounds or compositions can be administered in combination with additional therapeutically active agents that improve their bioavailability, reduce and/or modify their metabolism, inhibit their excretion, and/or modify their distribution within the body.

The compound or composition can be administered concurrently with, prior to, or subsequent to, one or more additional therapeutically active agents. In general, each agent will be administered at a dose and/or on a time schedule determined for that agent. It will further be appreciated that the additional therapeutically active agent utilized in this combination can be administered together in a single composition or administered separately in different compositions. The particular combination to employ in a regimen will take into account compatibility of the inventive compound with the additional therapeutically active agent and/or the desired therapeutic effect to be achieved. In general, it is expected that additional therapeutically active agents utilized in combination be utilized at levels that do not exceed the levels at which they are utilized individually. In some embodiments, the levels utilized in combination will be lower than those utilized individually. Exemplary therapeutically active agents include small organic molecules such as drug compounds (e.g., compounds approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as provided in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)), peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, nucleoproteins, mucoproteins, lipoproteins, synthetic polypeptides or proteins, small molecules linked to proteins, glycoproteins, steroids, nucleic acids, DNAs, RNAs, nucleotides, nucleosides, oligonucleotides, antisense oligonucleotides, lipids, hormones, vitamins and cells.

The pharmaceutical composition may also be in combination with at least one pharmacologically acceptable carrier. The carrier, also known in the art as an excipient, vehicle, auxiliary, adjuvant, or diluent, is any substance that is pharmaceutically inert, confers a suitable consistency or form to the composition, and does not diminish the therapeutic efficacy of the compounds. The carrier is “pharmaceutically or pharmacologically acceptable” if it does not produce an adverse, allergic, or other untoward reaction when administered to a mammal or human, as appropriate.

The pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds or cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes of the present disclosure may be formulated in any conventional manner. Proper formulation is dependent upon the route of administration chosen. The compositions of the disclosure can be formulated for any route of administration, so long as the target tissue is available via that route. Suitable routes of administration include, but are not limited to, oral, parenteral (e.g., intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous, rectal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraorbital, intracapsular, intraspinal, intraperitoneal, or intrasternal), topical (nasal, transdermal, intraocular), intravesical, intrathecal, enteral, pulmonary, intralymphatic, intracavital, vaginal, transurethral, intradermal, aural, intramammary, buccal, orthotopic, intratracheal, intralesional, percutaneous, endoscopical, transmucosal, sublingual, and intestinal administration. In certain embodiments, the route of administration is oral. In certain embodiments, the route of administration is parenteral. In certain embodiments, the route of administration is intravenous.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers for use in the compositions of the present disclosure are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are selected based upon a number of factors, including for example: the particular compound used, and its concentration, stability and intended bioavailability; the disease, disorder or condition being treated with the composition; the subject, its age, size and general condition; and/or the route of administration. Suitable carriers may be readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. (See, for example, J. G. Nairn, in: Remington's Pharmaceutical Science (A. Gennaro, ed.), Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., (1985), pp. 1492-1517.)

The compositions may be formulated as tablets, dispersible powders, pills, capsules, gelcaps, caplets, gels, liposomes, granules, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, syrups, elixirs, troches, dragees, lozenges, or any other dosage form that can be administered orally. Techniques and compositions for making oral dosage forms useful in the present disclosure are described in the following exemplary references: 7 Modern Pharmaceutics, Chapters 9 and 10 (Banker & Rhodes, Editors, 1979); Lieberman et al., Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets (1981); and, Ansel, Introduction to Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms 2nd Edition (1976).

The compositions of the present disclosure designed for oral administration comprise an effective amount of a compound of the disclosure in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Suitable carriers for solid dosage forms include sugars, starches, and other conventional substances including lactose, talc, sucrose, gelatin, carboxymethylcellulose, agar, mannitol, sorbitol, calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, kaolin, alginic acid, acacia, corn starch, potato starch, sodium saccharin, magnesium carbonate, tragacanth, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, talc, magnesium stearate, and stearic acid. Further, such solid dosage forms may be uncoated or may be coated by known techniques (e.g., to delay disintegration and absorption).

The compounds and cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes of the present disclosure may also be formulated for parenteral administration (e.g., formulated for injection via intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous, rectal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraorbital, intracapsular, intraspinal, intraperitoneal, or intrasternal routes). The compositions of the present disclosure for parenteral administration comprise an effective amount of the compound in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Dosage forms suitable for parenteral administration include solutions, suspensions, dispersions, emulsions or any other dosage form that can be administered parenterally. Techniques and compositions for making parenteral dosage forms are known in the art. Typically formulations for parenteral administration are sterile or are sterilized before administration.

Suitable carriers used in formulating liquid dosage forms for oral or parenteral administration include nonaqueous, pharmaceutically-acceptable polar solvents such as oils, alcohols, amides, esters, ethers, ketones, hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof, as well as water, saline solutions, dextrose solutions (e.g., DW5), electrolyte solutions, or any other aqueous, pharmaceutically acceptable liquid.

Suitable nonaqueous, pharmaceutically-acceptable polar solvents include, but are not limited to, alcohols (e.g., α-glycerol formal, β-glycerol formal, 1,3-butyleneglycol, aliphatic or aromatic alcohols having 2-30 carbon atoms such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, t-butanol, hexanol, octanol, amylene hydrate, benzyl alcohol, glycerin (glycerol), glycol, hexylene glycol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, or stearyl alcohol, fatty acid esters of fatty alcohols such as polyalkylene glycols (e.g., polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol), sorbitan, sucrose and cholesterol); amides (e.g., dimethylacetamide (DMA), benzyl benzoate DMA, dimethylformamide, N-(β-hydroxyethyl)actamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, 2-pyrrolidinone, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, or polyvinylpyrrolidone); esters (e.g., 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, 2-pyrrolidinone, acetate esters such as monoacetin, diacetin, and triacetin, aliphatic or aromatic esters such as ethyl caprylate or octanoate, alkyl oleate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), esters of glycerin such as mono, di, or tri-glyceryl citrates or tartrates, ethyl benzoate, ethyl acetate, ethyl carbonate, ethyl lactate, ethyl oleate, fatty acid esters of sorbitan, fatty acid derived PEG esters, glyceryl monostearate, glyceride esters such as mono, di, or triglycerides, fatty acid esters such as isopropyl myristrate, fatty acid derived PEG esters such as PEG-hydroxyoleate and PEG-hydroxystearate, N-methyl pyrrolidinone, pluronic 60, polyoxyethylene sorbitol oleic polyesters such as poly(ethoxylated)₃₀₋₆₀ sorbitol poly(oleate)₂₋₄, poly(oxyethylene)₁₅₋₂₀ monooleate, poly(oxyethylene)₁₅₋₂₀ mono 12-hydroxystearate, and poly(oxyethylene)₁₅₋₂₀ mono-ricinoleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters (such as polyoxyethylene-sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene-sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene-sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene-sorbitan monostearate, and Polysorbate® 20, 40, 60 or 80 from ICI Americas, Wilmington, Del.), polyvinylpyrrolidone, alkyleneoxy modified fatty acid esters (such as polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, cyclodextrins or modified cyclodextrins (e.g., beta-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin)), saccharide fatty acid esters (i.e., the condensation product of a monosaccharide (e.g., pentoses, such as ribose, ribulose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose and xylulose, hexoses such as glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose and sorbose, trioses, tetroses, heptoses, and octoses), disaccharide (e.g., sucrose, maltose, lactose and trehalose) or oligosaccharide or mixture thereof with a C₄-C₂₂ fatty acid(s)(e.g., saturated fatty acids such as caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids such as palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, erucic acid and linoleic acid)), or steroidal esters); alkyl, aryl, or cyclic ethers having 2-30 carbon atoms (e.g., diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl isosorbide, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether); glycofurol (tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol polyethylene glycol ether); ketones having 3-30 carbon atoms (e.g., acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone); aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons having 4-30 carbon atoms (e.g., benzene, cyclohexane, dichloromethane, dioxolanes, hexane, n-decane, n-dodecane, n-hexane, sulfolane, tetramethylenesulfone, tetramethylenesulfoxide, toluene, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), or tetramethylenesulfoxide); oils of mineral, vegetable, animal, essential or synthetic origin (e.g., mineral oils such as aliphatic or wax-based hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, mixed aliphatic and aromatic based hydrocarbons, and refined paraffin oil, vegetable oils such as linseed, tung, safflower, soybean, castor, cottonseed, groundnut, rapeseed, coconut, palm, olive, corn, corn germ, sesame, persic and peanut oil and glycerides such as mono-, di- or triglycerides, animal oils such as fish, marine, sperm, cod-liver, haliver, squalene, squalane, and shark liver oil, oleic oils, and polyoxyethylated castor oil); alkyl or aryl halides having 1-30 carbon atoms and optionally more than one halogen substituent; methylene chloride; monoethanolamine; petroleum benzine; trolamine; omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, or docosahexaenoic acid); polyglycol ester of 12-hydroxystearic acid and polyethylene glycol (Solutol® HS-15, from BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany); polyoxyethylene glycerol; sodium laurate; sodium oleate; or sorbitan monooleate.

Other pharmaceutically acceptable solvents for use in the disclosure are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are identified in The Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, (American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington, D.C., and The Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London, England, 1968), Modern Pharmaceutics, (G. Banker et al., eds., 3d ed.)(Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1995), The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, (Goodman & Gilman, McGraw Hill Publishing), Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, (H. Lieberman et al., eds.,) (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1980), Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (A. Gennaro, ed., 19th ed.)(Mack Publishing, Easton, Pa., 1995), The United States Pharmacopeia 24, The National Formulary 19, (National Publishing, Philadelphia, Pa., 2000), A. J. Spiegel et al., and Use of Nonaqueous Solvents in Parenteral Products, J. of Pharm. Sciences, Vol. 52, No. 10, pp. 917-927 (1963).

Preferred solvents include cyclodextrins or modified cyclodextrins (e.g., beta-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin) as well as oils rich in triglycerides, for example, safflower oil, soybean oil or mixtures thereof, and alkyleneoxy modified fatty acid esters such as polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil. Commercially available triglycerides include Intralipid® emulsified soybean oil (Kabi-Pharmacia Inc., Stockholm, Sweden), Nutralipid® emulsion (McGaw, Irvine, Calif.), Liposyn® II 20% emulsion (a 20% fat emulsion solution containing 100 mg safflower oil, 100 mg soybean oil, 12 mg egg phosphatides, and 25 mg glycerin per ml of solution; Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, Ill.), Liposyn® III 2% emulsion (a 2% fat emulsion solution containing 100 mg safflower oil, 100 mg soybean oil, 12 mg egg phosphatides, and 25 mg glycerin per ml of solution; Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, Ill.), natural or synthetic glycerol derivatives containing the docosahexaenoyl group at levels between 25% and 100% by weight based on the total fatty acid content (Dhasco® (from Martek Biosciences Corp., Columbia, Md.), DHA Maguro® (from Daito Enterprises, Los Angeles, Calif.), Soyacal®, and Travemulsion®.

Additional minor components can be included in the compositions of the disclosure for a variety of purposes well known in the pharmaceutical industry. These components will for the most part impart properties which enhance retention of the compound at the site of administration, protect the stability of the composition, control the pH, facilitate processing of the compound into pharmaceutical formulations, and the like. Preferably, each of these components is individually present in less than about 15 wt % of the total composition, more preferably less than about 5 wt %, and most preferably less than about 0.5 wt % of the total composition. Some components, such as fillers or diluents, can constitute up to 90 wt % of the total composition, as is well known in the formulation art. Such additives include cryoprotective agents for preventing reprecipitation, surface active, wetting or emulsifying agents (e.g., lecithin, polysorbate-80, Tween® 80, Pluronic 60, polyoxyethylene stearate), preservatives (e.g., ethyl-p-hydroxybenzoate), microbial preservatives (e.g., benzyl alcohol, phenol, m-cresol, chlorobutanol, sorbic acid, thimerosal and paraben), agents for adjusting pH or buffering agents (e.g., acids, bases, sodium acetate, sorbitan monolaurate), agents for adjusting osmolarity (e.g., glycerin), thickeners (e.g., aluminum monostearate, stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, guar gum, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, tristearin, cetyl wax esters, polyethylene glycol), colorants, dyes, flow aids, non-volatile silicones (e.g., cyclomethicone), clays (e.g., bentonites), adhesives, bulking agents, flavorings, sweeteners, adsorbents, fillers (e.g., sugars such as lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol, cellulose, or calcium phosphate), diluents (e.g., water, saline, electrolyte solutions), binders (e.g., starches such as maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, or potato starch, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sugars, polymers, acacia), disintegrating agents (e.g., starches such as maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, or carboxymethyl starch, cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate, croscarmellose sodium or crospovidone), lubricants (e.g., silica, talc, stearic acid or salts thereof such as magnesium stearate, or polyethylene glycol), coating agents (e.g., concentrated sugar solutions including gum arabic, talc, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carbopol gel, polyethylene glycol, or titanium dioxide), and antioxidants (e.g., sodium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfite, dextrose, phenols, and thiophenols).

Dosage from administration by these routes may be continuous or intermittent, depending, for example, upon the patient's physiological condition, whether the purpose of the administration is therapeutic or prophylactic, and other factors known to and assessable by a skilled practitioner.

Those with ordinary skill in administering anesthetics can readily determine dosage and regimens for the administration of the pharmaceutical compositions of the disclosure or titrating to an effective dosage for use in treating insomnia, mood disorders, convulsive disorders, anxiety or symptoms of ethanol withdrawal. It is understood that the dosage of the compounds will be dependent upon the age, sex, health, and weight of the recipient, kind of concurrent treatment, if any, frequency of treatment, and the nature of the effect desired. For any mode of administration, the actual amount of compound delivered, as well as the dosing schedule necessary to achieve the advantageous effects described herein, will also depend, in part, on such factors as the bioavailability of the compound, the disorder being treated, the desired therapeutic dose, and other factors that will be apparent to those of skill in the art. The dose administered to an animal, particularly a human, in the context of the present disclosure should be sufficient to affect the desired therapeutic response in the animal over a reasonable period of time. Preferably, an effective amount of the compound, whether administered orally or by another route, is any amount that would result in a desired therapeutic response when administered by that route. The dosage may vary depending on the dosing schedule, which can be adjusted as necessary to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. The most preferred dosage will be tailored to the individual subject, as is understood and determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation.

In one embodiment, solutions for oral administration are prepared by dissolving the compound in any pharmaceutically acceptable solvent capable of dissolving a compound (e.g., ethanol or methylene chloride) to form a solution. An appropriate volume of a carrier which is a solution, such as beta-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin, is added to the solution while stirring to form a pharmaceutically acceptable solution for oral administration to a patient. If desired, such solutions can be formulated to contain a minimal amount of, or to be free of, ethanol, which is known in the art to cause adverse physiological effects when administered at certain concentrations in oral formulations.

In another embodiment, powders or tablets for oral administration are prepared by dissolving a compound in any pharmaceutically acceptable solvent capable of dissolving the compound (e.g., ethanol or methylene chloride) to form a solution. The solvent can optionally be capable of evaporating when the solution is dried under vacuum. An additional carrier can be added to the solution prior to drying, such as beta-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin. The resulting solution is dried under vacuum to form a glass. The glass is then mixed with a binder to form a powder. The powder can be mixed with fillers or other conventional tabletting agents and processed to form a tablet for oral administration to a patient. The powder can also be added to any liquid carrier as described above to form a solution, emulsion, suspension or the like for oral administration.

Emulsions for parenteral administration can be prepared by dissolving a compound in any pharmaceutically acceptable solvent capable of dissolving the compound (e.g., ethanol or methylene chloride) to form a solution. An appropriate volume of a carrier which is an emulsion, such as Liposyn® II or Liposyn® III emulsions, is added to the solution while stirring to form a pharmaceutically acceptable emulsion for parenteral administration to a patient.

Solutions for parenteral administration can be prepared by dissolving a compound in any pharmaceutically acceptable solvent capable of dissolving the compound (e.g., ethanol or methylene chloride) to form a solution. An appropriate volume of a carrier which is a solution, such as beta-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin, is added to the solution while stirring to form a pharmaceutically acceptable solution for parenteral administration to a patient.

If desired, the emulsions or solutions described above for oral or parenteral administration can be packaged in IV bags, vials or other conventional containers in concentrated form and diluted with any pharmaceutically acceptable liquid, such as saline, to form an acceptable concentration prior to use as is known in the art.

Still further encompassed by the disclosure are kits (e.g., pharmaceutical packs). The kits provided may comprise a compound as described herein and a container (e.g., a vial, ampule, bottle, syringe, and/or dispenser package, or other suitable container). In some embodiments, provided kits may optionally further include a second container comprising a pharmaceutical carrier for dilution or suspension of the pharmaceutical composition or compound. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition or compound provided in the container and the second container are combined to form one unit dosage form.

Optionally, instructions for use are additionally provided in such kits of the disclosure. Such instructions may provide, generally, for example, instructions for dosage and administration. In other embodiments, instructions may further provide additional detail relating to specialized instructions for particular containers and/or systems for administration. Still further, instructions may provide specialized instructions for use in conjunction and/or in combination with an additional therapeutic agent.

3. DEFINITIONS

The term “steroid” as used herein describes an organic compound containing in its chemical nucleus the cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene ring system.

As used herein, the terms “alpha” and “beta” are used to describe the absolute configuration and orientation of the structure so as to define the plane and which way up the molecule is represented. The term “alpha” refers to substituents below the plane and is shown by a broken line. The term “beta” refers to substituents above the plane and is shown by a solid, bolded line.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to those salts which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and lower animals without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response and the like, and are commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are well known in the art. For example, Berge et al., describe pharmaceutically acceptable salts in detail in J. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1977, 66, 1-19. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of this disclosure include those derived from suitable inorganic and organic acids and bases. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable, nontoxic acid addition salts are salts of an amino group formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and perchloric acid or with organic acids such as acetic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, succinic acid or malonic acid or by using other methods used in the art such as ion exchange. Other pharmaceutically acceptable salts include adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, citrate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, formate, fumarate, glucoheptonate, glycerophosphate, gluconate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonate, lactobionate, lactate, laurate, lauryl sulfate, malate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oleate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, stearate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, thiocyanate, p-toluenesulfonate, undecanoate, valerate salts, and the like. Salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium and N⁺(C₁₋₄alkyl)₄ salts. Representative alkali or alkaline earth metal salts include sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like. Further pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, when appropriate, nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations formed using counterions such as halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, lower alkyl sulfonate and aryl sulfonate.

As used herein, a “subject” to which administration is contemplated includes, but is not limited to, mammals, e.g., humans (i.e., a male or female of any age group, e.g., a pediatric subject (e.g., child, adolescent) or adult subject (e.g., young adult, middle-aged adult or senior adult)), other primates (e.g., cynomolgus monkeys, rhesus monkeys) and commercially relevant mammals such as cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, cats, and/or dogs. In any aspect and/or embodiment of the disclosure, the subject is a human.

As used herein, a “therapeutically effective amount” “an amount sufficient” or “sufficient amount” of a compound means the level, amount or concentration of the compound required for a desired biological response, e.g., analgesia.

The term “saturated” as used herein describes the state in which all available valence bonds of an atom (especially carbon) are attached to other atoms.

The term “unsaturated” as used herein describes the state in which not all available valence bonds along the alkyl chain are satisfied; in such compounds the extra bonds usually form double or triple bonds (chiefly with carbon).

When a range of values is listed, it is intended to encompass each value and sub-range within the range. For example “C₁₋₄ alkyl” is intended to encompass, C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₁₋₃, C₁₋₂, C₂₋₄, C₂₋₃ and C₃₋₄ alkyl, while “C₁₋₂₂ alkyl” is intended to encompass, for example, C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, etc., as well as C₁₋₂₁, C₁₋₂₀, C₁₋₁₅, C₁₋₁₀, C₂₋₂₀, C₂₋₁₅, C₂₋₁₀, C₃₋₁₅, C₃₋₁₀, etc. alkyl.

As used herein, “alkyl” refers to a radical of a straight-chain or branched saturated hydrocarbon group having from, in some embodiments, 1 to 4 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₄ alkyl”), and in other embodiments 1 to 22 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₂₂ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 3 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₃ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 2 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₂ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 carbon atom (“C₁ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 2 to 4 carbon atom (“C₂₋₄ alkyl”). In yet other embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 21 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₂₁ alkyl”), 1 to 20 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₂₀ alkyl”), 1 to 15 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₁₅ alkyl”), 1 to 10 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₁₀ alkyl”), etc. Examples of such alkyl groups include methyl (C₁), ethyl (C₂), n-propyl (C₃), isopropyl (C₃), n-butyl (C₄), tert-butyl (C₄), sec-butyl (C₄), iso-butyl (C₄), pentyl (C₅), and the like.

As used herein, “alkenyl” or “alkene” refers to a radical of a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group having from, in some embodiments, 2 to 4 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₄ alkenyl”), and in other embodiments 2 to 22 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₂₂ alkenyl”), and one or more carbon-carbon double bonds. In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 3 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₃ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 carbon atoms (“C₂ alkenyl”). In yet other embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 21 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₂₁ alkenyl”), 2 to 20 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₂₀ alkenyl”), 2 to 15 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₁₅ alkenyl”), 2 to 10 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₁₀ alkyl”), etc. The one or more carbon-carbon double bonds can be internal (such as in 2-butenyl) or terminal (such as in 1-butenyl). Examples of such alkenyl groups include ethenyl (C₂), 1-propenyl (C₃), 2-propenyl (C₃), 1-butenyl (C₄), 2-butenyl (C₄), butadienyl (C₄), 1-pentenyl (C₅), 2-pentenyl (C₅), and the like.

As used herein, “alkynyl” or “alkyne” refers to a radical of a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms and one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds (“C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 3 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₃ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 carbon atoms (“C₂ alkynyl”). The one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds can be internal (such as in 2-butynyl) or terminal (such as in 1-butynyl). Examples of C₂₋₄ alkynyl groups include, without limitation, ethynyl (C₂), 1-propynyl (C₃), 2-propynyl (C₃), 1-butynyl (C₄), 2-butynyl (C₄), and the like.

As used herein, “aryl” refers to a radical of a monocyclic or polycyclic (e.g., bicyclic or tricyclic) 4n+2 aromatic ring system (e.g., having 6, 10, or 14 electrons shared in a cyclic array) having 6-14 ring carbon atoms and zero heteroatoms provided in the aromatic ring system (“C₆₋₁₄ aryl”). In some embodiments, an aryl group has 6 ring carbon atoms (“C₆ aryl”; e.g., phenyl). In some embodiments, an aryl group has 10 ring carbon atoms (“C₁₀ aryl”; e.g., naphthyl such as 1-naphthyl and 2-naphthyl). In some embodiments, an aryl group has 14 ring carbon atoms (“C₁₄ aryl”; e.g., anthracyl).

As used herein, “alkoxy” refers to an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group, as defined herein, attached to an oxygen radical.

Alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and aryl groups, as defined herein, are substituted or unsubstituted, also referred to herein as “optionally substituted”. In general, the term “substituted”, whether preceded by the term “optionally” or not, means that at least one hydrogen present on a group (e.g., a carbon or nitrogen atom) is replaced with a permissible substituent, e.g., a substituent which upon substitution results in a stable compound, e.g., a compound which does not spontaneously undergo transformation such as by rearrangement, cyclization, elimination, or other reaction. Unless otherwise indicated, a “substituted” group has a substituent at one or more substitutable positions of the group, and when more than one position in any given structure is substituted, the substituent is either the same or different at each position. The term “substituted” is contemplated to include substitution with all permissible substituents of organic compounds, any of the substituents described herein that result in the formation of a stable compound. The present disclosure contemplates any and all such combinations in order to arrive at a stable compound. For purposes of this disclosure, heteroatoms such as nitrogen may have hydrogen substituents and/or any suitable substituent as described herein which satisfy the valencies of the heteroatoms and results in the formation of a stable moiety.

Exemplary substituents include groups that contain a heteroatom (such as nitrogen, oxygen, silicon, phosphorous, boron, sulfur, or a halogen atom), halogen (e.g., chlorine, bromine, fluorine, or iodine), a heterocycle, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, aryloxy, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, keto, acyl, acyloxy, nitro, amino, amido, nitro, cyano, thiol, ketals, acetals, esters and ethers.

EXAMPLES

The following Examples describe or illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments within the scope of the appended claims will be apparent to a skilled artisan considering the specification or practice of the disclosure as described herein. It is intended that the specification, together with the Examples, be considered exemplary only, with the scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims, which follow the Example.

General Methods.

Solvents were either used as purchased or dried and purified by standard methodology. Extraction solvents were dried with anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and after filtration, removed under reduced pressure on a rotary evaporator. Flash column chromatography was performed using silica gel (32-63 μm) purchased from Scientific Adsorbents (Atlanta, Ga.). Melting points were determined on a Kofler micro hot stage and are uncorrected. FT-IR spectra were recorded as films on a NaCl plate. NMR spectra were recorded in CDCl₃ at ambient temperature at 300 or 400 MHz (¹H), 74 or 100 MHz (¹³C).

Compound Chemistry

In accordance with the following methods and Examples, the following compounds were prepared using methods known in the industry.

In accordance with Scheme 1, the following compounds were prepared using methods generally known in the art and as outlined below.

(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,10aS,11aR,11bR)-Hexadecahydro-3-hydroxy-7a-methyl-8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-one (1)

Compound 1 was prepared as described previously (see Scaglione, et al., “Neurosteroid Analogues. 14. Alternative Ring System Scaffolds: GABA Modulatory and Anesthetic Actions of Cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes and Cyclopenta[b]anthracenes,” J. of Med. Chem., Vol. 51(5), pages 1309-1318 (2008)).

(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,10aS,11 aR,11bR)-[Hexadecahydro-3-hydroxy-7a-methyl-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8(Z)-ylidene]-acetonitrile (2) and (3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,10aS,11 aR,11bR)-[Hexadecahydro-3-hydroxy-7a-methyl-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8(E)-ylidene]-acetonitrile (3)

To a suspension of NaH (40 mg, 60%, 1.0 mmol) in THF (10 ml) was added diethyl cyanomethyl phosphonate (195 mg, 1.1 mmol) at room temperature. After 30 min, the ketone (100 mg, 0.36 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added and the reaction was stirred for 14 h at room temperature. Aqueous NH₄Cl was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The crude ¹H NMR showed the E and Z olefins ratio is 1 to 1. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 20% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compounds 2 and 3.

Compound 2 (35 mg) had: mp 208-209° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁰ +6.4 (c 0.11, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 5.09 (s, 1H), 4.00-4.10 (m, 1H), 0.94 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 179.4, 116.9, 88.1, 66.6, 49.4, 48.3, 47.4, 46.9, 42.6, 40.7, 38.7, 36.3, 34.2, 34.1, 33.0, 32.6, 28.2, 26.2, 23.5, 17.0; IR ν_(max) 3503, 2216, 1636 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₂₀H₂₉NO): C, 80.22; H, 9.76; N, 4.68. Found: C, 80.33; H, 9.67; N, 4.53.

Compound 3 (20 mg) had: mp 135-137° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁰ −31.1 (c 0.18, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 5.00-5.05 (m, 1H), 4.05-4.10 (m, 1H), 2.68-2.57 (m, 2H), 0.83 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 181.2, 117.8, 87.9, 66.6, 48.4, 48.2, 47.3, 46.4, 42.8, 40.6, 38.4, 36.3, 34.3, 34.1, 33.0, 30.4, 28.2, 26.1, 23.5, 18.1; IR ν_(max) 3451, 2216, 1637 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₂₀H₂₉NO): C, 80.22; H, 9.76; N, 4.68. Found: C, 80.20; H, 9.71; N, 4.61.

In accordance with Scheme 2, the following compounds were prepared, using methods generally known in the art and as outlined below.

(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,10aS,11 aR,11bR)-3-[[(1,1-Dimethylethyl)dimethylsilyl]oxy]-hexadecahydro-7a-methyl-8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-one (4)

To a solution of compound 1 (100 mg, 0.36 mmol) in DMF (5 ml) was added tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (75 mg, 0.5 mmol) and imidazole (68 mg, 1.0 mmol) at room temperature. After 16 h, water was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined extracts were dried, filtered and removed. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 4 (130 mg, 93%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.95-4.00 (m, 1H), 0.86 (s, 9H), 0.00 (s, 6H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 221.1, 66.6, 48.4, 47.8, 47.3, 45.7, 41.3, 39.4, 38.1, 36.1, 35.7, 34.1, 33.6, 28.4, 25.8, 24.1, 23.4, 18.0, 13.5, −4.8, −4.9.

(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,10aS,11 aR,11bR)-3-[[(1,1-Dimethylethyl)dimethylsilyl]oxy]-hexadecahydro-7a-methyl-8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-one oxime (5)

To a solution of compound 4 (130 mg, 0.33 mmol) in pyridine (10 mL) was added hydroxylamine hydrochloride (140 mg, 2.0 mmol) at room temperature. After 14 h, water was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined extracts were dried, filtered and removed. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 5 (105 mg, 82%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 9.00 (s, br, 1H), 3.95-4.00 (m, 1H), 2.45-2.51 (m, 2H), 0.87 (s, 9H), 0.01 (s, 6H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 171.0, 66.7, 48.5, 48.1, 47.4, 44.0, 41.9, 41.4, 38.2, 36.2, 34.1, 33.7, 27.9, 25.8, 25.4, 25.0, 23.4, 18.1, 17.0, −4.96, −4.91.

(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,8S,10aS,11aR,11bR)-Hexadecahydro-7a-methyl-8-nitro-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-3-ol (6)

To a solution of NBS (210 mg, 1.3 mmol) in dioxane (4 mL) was added aqueous KHCO₃ (260 mg, 2.6 mmol, 4 mL) at room temperature. The mixture was stirred for 30 min at room temperature. Compound 5 (105 mg, 0.26 mmol) in dioxane (10 mL) was added. The reaction was stirred for 14 h at room temperature and then NaBH₄ was added (200 mg in 5 portions). The reaction was stirred for 3 h at room temperature. 6 N HCl (10 mL) was added and stirring at room temperature continued for 1 h. The product was extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and removed. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 20% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 6 (62 mg, 56%): mp 157-159° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁰ +32.4 (c 0.21, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.40 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 4.05-4.10 (m, 1H), 2.56-2.51 (m, 1H), 0.73 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 94.4, 66.3, 47.9, 47.2, 47.0, 45.8, 45.1, 40.4, 38.3, 36.1, 33.9, 33.8, 32.7, 28.4, 25.7, 24.6, 2.32, 12.1; IR ν_(max) 3385, 2212, 1542 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₁₈H₂₉NO₃): C, 70.32; H, 9.51; N, 4.56. Found: C, 70.12; H, 9.32; N, 4.33.

In accordance with Scheme 3, the following compounds were prepared, using methods generally known in the art and as outlined below.

(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,10aS,11 aR,11bR)-Hexadecahydro-3-(methoxymethoxy)-7a-methyl-8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-one (7)

To a solution of compound 1 (215 mg, 0.77 mmol) in dried dichloromethane (15 mL) was added DIPEA (260 mg, 2.0 mmol), chloromethyl methyl ether (242 mg, 3.0 mmol), and DMAP (10 mg) at room temperature. After 16 h, water was added water and the product extracted into dichloromethane (100 mL×2). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and removed. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 7 (235 mg, 94%): 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 4.63 (s, 2H), 3.86-3.84 (m, 1H), 3.34 (s, 3H), 0.84 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 221.0, 94.5, 71.3, 55.1, 48.3, 47.8, 46.9, 45.7, 39.3, 38.2, 38.0, 36.7, 35.6, 33.9, 30.2, 28.4, 24.0, 23.9, 13.5.

(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,10aR,11aR,11bR)-3-(Methoxymethoxy)-7a-methyl-2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,7a,10,10a,11,11a,11b-tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-8-carbonitrile (8)

To a solution of compound 7 (235 mg, 0.73 mmol) in THF (15 mL) was added potassium bis(trimethylsilyl) amide (0.5 M in toluene, 2.0 mL, 1.0 mmol) at −78° C. After 30 min, N-phenyltrifluoromethanesulfonimide (357 mg, 1.0 mmol) in 5 mL of THF was added at −78° C. After 2 h, water was added and the product was extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was partially purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford an intermediate enol triflate (310 mg containing an aromatic impurity from the sulfonamide reagent) which was immediately used.

To the enol triflate in a 50 mL round flask was added sodium cyanide (150 mg, 3.0 mmol), copper (I) iodide (60 mg, 0.3 mmol) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (30 mg) at room temperature. Acetonitrile (15 mL) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 1 h. Aqueous NH₄Cl was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 8 (180 mg, 85%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 6.63-6.61 (m, 1H), 4.65 (s, 2H), 3.87-3.85 (m, 1H), 3.36 (s, 3H), 0.92 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 147.5, 127.4, 115.9, 94.5, 71.3, 55.0, 50.4, 48.9, 48.1, 46.9, 41.7, 38.5, 38.1, 36.7, 34.8, 34.0, 33.9, 30.2, 26.6, 23.8, 16.5.

(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,8S,10aS,11aR,11bR)-Hexadecahydro-3-(methoxymethoxy)-7a-methyl-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-8-carbonitrile (9)

To a solution of compound 8 (180 mg, 0.6 mmol) in EtOAc (40 mL) was added Pd/C (100 mg) and hydrogenation was carried out under 7 atm H₂ at room temperature for 3 h. The reaction was filtered through Celite® 545 which was washed with EtOAc (100 mL). Solvents were removed and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 9 (172 mg, 94%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.58 (s, 2H), 3.82-3.79 (m, 1H), 3.29 (s, 3H), 0.84 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 121.4, 94.5, 71.8, 54.9, 48.4, 47.9, 46.7, 44.9, 44.4, 39.7, 38.1, 37.9, 36.6, 33.8, 33.7, 30.0, 28.3, 26.3, 26.2, 23.7, 14.2.

(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,8S,10aS,11aR,11bR)-Hexadecahydro-3-hydroxy-7a-methyl-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-8-carbonitrile (10)

To compound 9 (165 mg, 0.5 mmol) in methanol (9 mL) and dichloromethane (3 mL) was added 6 N HCl (10 ml) at room temperature. After 14 h, the product was extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 25% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 10 (135 mg, 94%): mp 162-164° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁰+33.9 (c 0.31, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.06 (s, br, 1H), 0.86 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 121.3, 66.1, 48.3, 47.9, 46.9, 44.9, 44.2, 40.2, 39.8, 38.1, 36.0, 33.8, 33.7, 32.6, 28.4, 26.3 (2C), 23.1, 14.2; IR V_(max) 3456, 2235, 1447 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₁₉H₂₉NO): C, 79.39; H, 10.17; N, 4.87. Found: C, 79.60; H, 10.26; N, 4.92.

1-[(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,8S,10aS,11aR,11bR)-Hexadecahydro-3-hydroxy-7a-methyl-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-yl]-ethanone (11)

To a solution of compound 11 (110 mg, 0.4 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added methyl magnesiumbromide (3.0 M, 2 mL, 6.0 mmol) at room temperature. The reaction was refluxed for 16 h and then cooled to room temperature. 6 N HCl was added and the product was extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. ¹H NMR of the crude product (120 mg, 99%) showed the 8S and 8R diastereomers in the ratio of 8 to 1. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 20% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 11 (35 mg): mp 131-133° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁰+75.0 (c 0.12, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.09-4.07 (m, 1H), 2.54 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 0.58 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 209.7, 66.4, 63.6, 50.7, 48.1, 47.2 (2×C), 44.1, 40.4, 38.4, 36.2, 34.3, 34.0, 32.8, 31.5, 28.4, 26.5, 23.2, 22.6, 13.3; IR ν_(max) 3291, 1706 cm⁻¹. MS (FAB) for [C₂₀H₃₂O₂+Na]⁺: 327.2300. Found: 327.2300.

In accordance with Scheme 4, the following compounds were prepared, using methods generally known in the art and as outlined below.

(6aR,7aS,10aS,11aR,11bS)-6,6a,7,7a,9,10,10a,11,11a,11b-Decahydro-7a-methyl-1H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-3,8(2H,5H)-dione (12)

Compound 12 was prepared as reported previously (see Qian & Covey, “The efficient and enantiospecific total synthesis of cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes structurally related to neurosteroids,” Adv. Syn. & Cata., Vol. 352 (11-12), pages 2057-2061 (2010)).

(4aS,6aR,7aS,10aS,11aR,11bR)-Dodecahydro-7a-methyl-1H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-3,8(2H,4H)-dione (13)

To a solution compound 12 (150 mg, 0.54 mmol) in pyridine (30 mL) was added Pd/C (50 mg) at room temperature. A hydrogenation was carried out under 7 atm H2 for 2 h at room temperature. The reaction was filtered through Celite® 545 which was washed with EtOAc (100 mL). Solvents were removed under reduced pressure and 13C NMR of the crude product (145 mg) showed the 4aS to 4aR diastereomer ratio to be 2:1:1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 0.84 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) 4aS diastereomer δ 220.4, 212.2, 47.8, 45.6, 42.7, 39.9, 38.9, 38.6, 38.2, 38.1, 36.3, 35.4, 30.7, 28.5, 28.4, 27.1, 23.9, 13.5.

(3S,4aS,6aR,7aS,10aS,11aR,11bR)-Hexadecahydro-3-hydroxy-7a-methyl-8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-one (14)

To a solution of compound 13 (145 mg containing the unseparated 4aR diastereomer, 0.54 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was slowly added lithium tri-t-butyloxyaluminohydride at −40° C. After 2 h, 6 N HCl was added at −40° C. and the reaction was warmed to room temperature for 30 min. The product was extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and removed. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 25% EtOAc in hexanes) and the product from the 4aR diastereomer separated to afford pure compound 14 (82 mg, 56%): mp 175-177° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁰ +34.5 (c 0.22, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.58-3.49 (m, 1H), 0.76 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 221.1, 71.4, 47.9, 45.7, 40.1, 39.2, 38.8, 38.5, 36.2, 35.6, 35.5, 31.7, 29.6, 29.3, 28.4, 25.5, 24.1, 13.5; IR ν_(max) 3398, 1736 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₁₈H₂₈O₂): C, 78.21; H, 10.21. Found: C, 78.12; H, 10.40.

(2′S,3S,4aS,6aR,7aS,10aS,11aR,11bR)-Hexadecahydro-7a-methyl-spiro[8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-8,2′-oxiran]-3-ol (15)

To a solution of compound 14 (60 mg, 0.23 mmol) in DMSO (3 mL) was added trimethylsulfonium iodide (204 mg, 1.0 mmol) and potassium tert-butoxide (112 mg, 1.0 mmol) at room temperature. After 3 h, water (20 mL) was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 30% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 15 (48 mg, 72%) as a white solid: 160-162° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁰ −16.5 (c 0.20, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.64-3.50 (m, 1H), 2.91 (d, J=4.9 Hz, 1H), 2.62 (d, J=4.9 Hz, 1H), 0.87 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 71.7, 70.6, 53.6, 47.1, 42.0, 40.3, 40.2, 38.9, 38.4, 36.3, 35.7, 31.8, 29.8, 29.6, 28.9 (2×C), 25.8, 25.5, 14.4; IR ν_(max) 3387, 1733 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₁₉H₃₀O₂): C, 78.57; H, 10.41. Found: C, 78.36; H, 10.50.

In accordance with Scheme 5, the following compounds were prepared, using methods generally known in the art and as outlined below.

(1S,3aS,8aR,9aS)-5-(3-Buten-1-yl)-1-(1,1-dimethylethoxy)-1,2,3,3a,4,7,8,8a,9,9a-decahydro-9a-methyl-6H-benz[f]inden-6-one (16)

Compound 16 was prepared as described previously (see Qian & Covey, “The efficient and enantiospecific total synthesis of cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes structurally related to neurosteroids,” Adv. Syn. & Cata., Vol. 352 (11-12), pages 2057-2061 (2010)).

(1S,3aS,4aR,5S,8aR,9aS)-5-(3-Buten-1-yl)-5,9a-dimethyl-1-(1,1-dimethylethoxy)-dodecahydro-6H-benz[t]inden-6-one (17)

A three-neck flask equipped with a dry ice condenser was cooled to −78° C., and anhydrous ammonia (100 mL) was condensed into the flask. Lithium (0.57 g, 82 mmol, 10 equiv) was added, and the resulting blue solution was stirred for 0.5 h. To this was added a solution of compound 16 (2.0 g, 6.1 mmol) in dry THF (50 mL). After 3 h, iodomethane (4.26 g, 30 mmol) was added, and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight and aqueous NH₄Cl was added. The product was extracted into EtOAc (100 mL×3), and the combined extracts were washed with brine, dried and the solvent evaporated. Column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) gave compound 17 (1.40 g, 67%) as a colorless oil: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 5.81-5.77 (m, 1H), 4.96-4.88 (m, 2H), 3.39 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 1.11 (s, 9H), 1.06 (s, 3H), 0.75 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 214.9, 139.2, 113.9, 80.4, 72.1, 51.1, 47.5, 44.8, 44.5, 42.6, 38.4, 33.7, 33.5, 31.2, 28.7, 28.6, 25.8, 24.7, 21.1, 11.7.

(1S,3aS,4aR,5S,8aR,9aS)-5,9a-Dimethyl-1-(1,1-dimethylethoxy)dodecahydro-5-(3-oxobutyl)-6H-benz[t]inden-6-one (18)

A suspension of PdCl₂ and CuCl were stirred in DMF/H₂O (15 mL, v/v=9/1) at room temperature under O₂ for 1 h. Compound 17 (1.40 g, 4.04 mmol) in DMF/H₂O (10 mL, v/v=9/1) was added by syringe. The reaction mixture was stirred and monitored by TLC. After 20 h, the starting material was completely consumed. Water (40 mL) was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 18 (933 mg, 64%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.39 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 2.56-2.22 (m, 4H), 2.15 (s, 3H), 1.12 (s, 9H), 1.10 (s, 3H), 0.76 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 215.3, 209.3, 80.4, 72.2, 50.6, 48.5, 44.7, 44.6, 42.6, 38.9, 38.4, 33.8, 31.4, 31.2, 29.9, 28.7, 28.2, 25.8, 24.7, 20.6, 11.7; IR ν_(max) 2971, 1706, 1360 cm⁻¹.

(6aR,7aS,8S,10aS,11aR,11bS)-1,2,5,6,6a,7,7a,8,9,10,10a,11,11a,11b-Tetradecahydro-11b,7a-Dimethyl-8-hydroxy-3H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-3-one (19)

To a solution of compound 18 (930 g, 2.58 mmol) in MeOH (20 mL) was added 3 N HCl (20 mL) at room temperature. The reaction was stirred and refluxed for 16 h. After cooling to room temperature, the product was extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 20% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 19 (557 mg, 75%) as a white semisolid: [α]_(D) ²⁵=−75.2 (c 0.29, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 5.70 (s, 1H), 3.65 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 1.16 (s, 3H), 0.75 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 199.7, 171.5, 123.8, 81.3, 54.0, 44.8, 44.5, 42.8, 38.8, 35.4, 34.6, 33.7, 33.2, 31.9, 30.3, 25.4, 24.3, 17.4, 11.1; IR ν_(max) 3435, 1667 cm⁻¹.

(4aR,6aR,7aS,8S,10aS,11aR,11bR)-Hexadecahydro-11b,7a-dimethyl-8-hydroxy-3H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-3-one (20)

A three-neck flask equipped with a dry ice condenser was cooled to −78° C. and anhydrous ammonia (100 mL) was condensed into the flask. Lithium (134 mg, 19 mmol, 10 equiv) was added, and the resulting blue solution was stirred for 0.5 h. To this was added a solution of compound 19 (550 g, 1.91 mmol) in dry THF (50 mL). After 3 h of stirring, solid NH.₄Cl was added until the blue color disappeared, and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight and aqueous NH₄Cl was added. The product was extracted into EtOAc (100 mL×3), and the combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried and the solvent evaporated. Column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) gave compound (480 mg, 87%) as a colorless oil: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.63 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 0.98 (s, 3H), 0.72 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 212.0, 81.5, 54.0, 46.6, 45.0, 44.5, 43.0, 38.2, 37.9, 35.8, 34.6, 31.8, 30.3, 29.1, 25.5, 24.7, 11.4, 11.1; IR ν_(max) 3416, 1709 cm⁻¹.

(4aR,6aR,7aS,10aS,11aR,11bR)-Dodecahydro-7a,11b-dimethyl-1H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-3,8(2H,4H)-dione (21)

Jones reagent was added to a solution of compound 20 (480 mg, 1.66 mmol) in acetone (40 mL) at 0° C. until a brown-yellowish color persisted. After 10 min, 2-propanol (1.0 mL) was added and then brine (50 mL) was added. The product was extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3).

The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 20% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 21 (461 mg, 96%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 1.02 (s, 3H), 0.87 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 220.1, 211.0, 48.2, 47.8, 47.6, 45.6, 45.4, 43.5, 40.9, 38.9, 37.6, 35.4, 34.0, 33.4, 29.9, 28.7, 23.8, 13.4; IR ν_(max) 1734, 1714 cm⁻¹.

(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,10aS,11aR,11bR)-Hexadecahydro-7a,11b-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-one (22)

To a solution of compound 21 (460 mg, 1.6 mmoL) in THF (20 mL) was added K-selectride (2.0 mmol, 2.0 mL, 1.0 M) at −78° C. After 3 h, 10% aqueous NaOH (30 mL) and 30% H₂O₂ (20 mL) were added at −78° C. The reaction was then warmed to room temperature for 1 h. The product was extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 30% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 22 (294 mg, 64%) as a white solid: mp 179-181° C., [α]_(D) ²⁵+46.9 (c 0.16, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.05 (s, br, 1H), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.79 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 221.1, 66.4, 54.6, 47.8, 45.8, 39.8, 39.1, 36.4, 35.7, 34.8, 32.0, 31.8, 28.8, 28.7, 24.1, 24.0, 13.6, 11.2; IR ν_(max) 3434, 1736 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₁₉H₃₀O₂): C, 78.57; H, 10.41. Found: C, 78.45; H, 10.28.

In accordance with Scheme 6, the following compounds were prepared, using methods generally known in the art and as outlined below.

(2′S,3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,10aS,11aR,11bR)-Hexadecahydro-7a,11b-dimethyl-spiro[8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-8,2′-oxiran]-3-ol (23)

To a solution of compound 22 (35 mg, 0.12 mmol) in DMSO (3 mL) was added trimethylsulfonium iodide (204 mg, 1.0 mmol) and potassium tert-butoxide (112 mg, 1.0 mmol) at room temperature. After 3 h, water (20 mL) was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 20% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 23 (23 mg, 63%): mp 138-140° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁰ −16.7 (c 0.15, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.06 (s, br, 1H), 2.90 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 2.61 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 0.86 (s, 3H), 0.79 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 70.5, 66.6, 54.6, 53.6, 47.1, 42.6, 40.2, 39.2, 36.4, 35.8, 35.1, 32.0, 31.8, 29.1, 28.9, 28.8, 25.9, 24.4, 14.4, 11.2; IR V_(max) 3435, 1007, 758 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₂₀H₃₂O₂): C, 78.90; H, 10.59. Found: C, 78.83; H, 10.77.

(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,10aS,11aR,11bR)-Hexadecahydro-7a,11b-dimethyl-3-(methoxymethoxy)-8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-one (24)

To a solution of compound 22 (120 mg, 0.41 mmol) in dried dichloromethane (15 mL) was added DIPEA (130 mg, 1.0 mmol), chloromethyl methyl ether (121 mg, 1.5 mmol), and DMAP (10 mg) at room temperature. After 16 h, water was added and the product extracted into dichloromethane (100 mL×2). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and removed. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 24 (138 mg, 100%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.60 (s, 2H), 3.79-3.78 (m, 1H), 3.31 (s, 3H), 0.80 (s, 3H), 0.76 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 220.9, 94.4, 71.5, 55.0, 54.5, 47.7, 45.8, 39.8, 39.6, 36.1, 35.6, 34.7, 33.4, 32.6, 31.7, 28.7, 26.2, 24.1, 23.9, 13.5, 11.3.

1,1,1-Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,10aR,11aR,11bR)-7a,11b-Dimethyl-3-(Methoxymethoxy)-2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,7a,10,10a,11,11a,11b-tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-yl ester (25)

To a solution of compound 24 (136 mg, 0.4 mmol) in THF (15 mL) was added potassium bis(trimethylsilyl) amide (0.5 M in toluene, 2.0 mL, 1.0 mmol) at −78° C. After 30 min, N-phenyltrifluoromethanesulfonimide (357 mg, 1.0 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added at −78° C. After 2 h at −78° C., water was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was partially purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 25 (185 mg containing an aromatic impurity from the sulfonamide reagent) which was immediately converted to compound 26.

(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,10aR,11aR,11bR)-7a,11b-Dimethyl-3-(Methoxymethoxy)-2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,7a,10,10a,11,11a,11b-tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthr en-8-Carbonitrile (26)

To compound 26 (185 mg containing an aromatic impurity from the sulfonamide reagent) in a 50 mL round flask was added sodium cyanide (150 mg, 3.0 mmol), copper (I) iodide (60 mg, 0.3 mmol) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (30 mg) at room temperature. Acetonitrile (15 mL) was added and the reaction was refluxed for 1 h. Aqueous NH₄Cl was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was partially purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 26 (130 mg containing an aromatic impurity from the sulfonamide reagent): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 6.56-6.55 (m, 1H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 3.77-3.76 (m, 1H), 3.30 (s, 3H), 0.84 (s, 3H), 0.74 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 147.8, 127.3, 116.0, 94.4, 71.6, 55.1, 55.0, 50.0, 48.2, 42.2, 39.7, 36.2, 35.0, 34.7, 33.4, 32.6, 32.3, 28.8, 26.2, 22.4, 16.6, 11.3.

(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,10aR,11aR,11bR)-7a,11b-Dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,7a,10,10a,11,11a,11b-tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-carbonitrile (27)

To compound 26 (125 mg, 0.36 mmol) in methanol (9 mL) and dichloromethane (3 mL) was added 6 N HCl (10 ml) at room temperature. After 14 h, the mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (50 mL×2). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 25% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 27 (101 mg, 93%): mp 170-172° C., [α]_(D) ²⁵+5.4 (c 0.24, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 6.61 (t, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 4.04-4.02 (m, 1H), 0.89 (s, 3H), 0.78 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 147.7, 127.3, 116.0, 66.3, 55.1, 50.5, 48.1, 42.2, 39.1, 36.4, 35.7, 35.0, 34.8, 32.3, 32.0, 28.8, 28.7, 22.4, 16.6, 11.1; IR ν_(max) 3391, 2216, 1448 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₂₀H₂₉NO): C, 80.22; H, 9.76; N, 4.68. Found: C, 80.32; H, 9.70; N, 4.72.

(3S,4aR,6aR,7aS,8S,10aS,11aR,11bR)-Hexadecahydro-7a,11b-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-1H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-8-carbonitrile (28)

To a solution of the compound 27 (60 mg, 0.2 mmol) in EtOAc (40 mL) was added Pd/C (30 mg). Hydrogenation was carried out under 5 atm H₂ at room temperature for 3 h. The reaction was filtered through Celite which was washed with EtOAc (100 mL). Solvents were removed and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 28 (54 mg, 90%): mp 145-147° C., [α]_(D) ²⁵+45.3 (c 0.23, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.05 (s, br, 1H), 2.27 (t, J=9.3 Hz, 1H), 0.89 (s, 3H), 0.78 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 121.5, 66.5, 54.4, 48.6, 45.6, 44.3, 39.9, 39.2, 36.4, 35.7, 34.8, 32.1, 32.0, 28.8, 28.7, 26.6, 26.5, 24.1, 14.4, 11.2; IR ν_(max) 3434, 2235, 1449 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₂₀H₃₁NO): C, 79.68; H, 10.36; N, 4.65. Found: C, 79.47; H, 10.67; N, 4.77.

In accordance with Scheme 7, the following compounds were prepared, using methods generally known in the art and as outlined below.

(1R,7aR)-1-(1,1-Dimethylethoxyl)-2,3,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-7a-methyl-5-oxo-1H-Indene-4-carboxylic acid (29)

Compound 29 was prepared as described previously (see Rychnovsky & Mickus, “Synthesis of ent-cholesterol, the unnatural enantiomer,” J. of Org. Chem., Vol. 57(9), pages 2732-2736 (1992)).

(1R,3aR,7a)-1-(1,1-Dimethylethoxy)octahydro-7a-methyl-5H-inden-5-one (30)

Compound 29 (24.6 g, 0.92 mol) was dissolved in MeOH (200 mL) and 5% palladium on BaSO₄ (3.0 g) was added. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and hydrogenated (500 psi, H₂) for 2 h. The catalyst was removed by filtration through Celite. MeOH was then removed in reduced pressure to give a brown viscous oil. This viscous oil was heated up to 90° C. under high vacuum for 2 h and decarboxylation occurred at this time. The crude ¹H NMR shows a trans/cis ring fusion ratio of 6:1. The mixture was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford trans ring fused compound 30 (11.5 g, 56%): [α]_(D) ²⁵ −92.4 (c 0.62, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.46 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 1.11 (s, 9H), 0.94 (d, J=0.5 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 211.7, 79.3, 72.4, 44.5, 42.8, 41.9, 37.3, 35.1, 31.7, 28.6, 25.7, 10.1; IR ν_(max) 1716, 1362 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₁₄H₂₄O₄): C, 74.95: H, 10.78. Found: C, 74.70; H, 10.43.

(3R,3aR,7aR)-3-(1,1-Dimethylethoxy)-2,3,3a,4,7,7a-Hexahydro-6-hydroxy-3a-methyl-1H-indene-5-carboxylic acid, methyl ester (31)

Dimethyl carbonate (8.1 g, 90 mmol) was added to a suspension of sodium hydride (4.32 g, 60% in mineral oil, 100 mmol) in THF (200 mL) at room temperature. The reaction was refluxed for 30 min. Compound 30 (6.7 g, 30 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was added by syringe. The reaction was refluxed for 14 h and cooled down to room temperature. Acetic acid was slowly added to the mixture until pH 4-5 and water (100 mL) was added. The product was extracted into EtOAc (150 mL×3) and the combined extracts were dried. The solution was filtered and solvents were removed under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 5% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 31 (7.2 g, 85%): [α]_(D) ²⁰=−98.6 (c 0.365, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 12.18 (s, 1H), 3.61 (s, 3H), 3.52 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 1.03 (s, 9H), 0.58 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 173.4, 172.0, 96.6, 79.8, 72.2, 51.1, 41.3, 39.6, 34.8, 31.9, 31.3, 28.6, 25.5, 10.4; ν_(max) 1652, 1608 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₁₆H₂₆O₄): C, 68.06; H, 9.28. Found: C, 67.81; H, 9.41.

(3R,3aR,7aR)-3-(1,1-Dimethylethoxy)octahydro-3a-methyl-6-oxo-5-(3-oxo-7-octen-1-yl)-1H-indene-5-carboxylic acid, methyl ester (32)

Neutral alumina (15 g) was heated in a flask at 180° C. under high vacuum for 4 h. After cooling down to room temperature, the flask was filled with N₂. Compound 31 (7.2 g, 25.5 mmol), 1,7-octadien-3-one (4.3 g, 30 mmol), and CH₂Cl₂ (30 mL) were added to the anhydrous alumina at room temperature. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The suspension was filtered through Celite® 545 which was washed with CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL×3). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 32 (9.4 g, 91%). The compound is a mixture of diastereomers at position C-5 in a 3 to 1 ratio. The major diastereomer had: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 5.72-5.60 (m, 1H), 4.95-4.86 (m, 2H), 3.64 (s, 3H), 3.35 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 1.05 (s, 9H), 0.75 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 209.5, 208.0, 173.7, 137.8, 115.0, 79.9, 72.4, 56.2, 52.2, 46.9, 45.5, 42.4, 42.1, 41.7, 38.1, 32.9, 31.3, 30.5, 28.6, 28.4, 25.5, 22.6; IR ν_(max) 1714, 1641, 1435 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₂₄H₃₈O₅): C, 70.90; H, 9.42. Found: C, 71.16; H, 9.70.

(1R,3aR,8aS,9aR)-5-(3-Buten-1-yl)-1(1,1-dimethylethoxy)-1,2,3,3a,4,7,8,8a,9,9a-decahydro-9a-methyl-6H-benz[t]inden-6-one (33)

Lithium chloride (3.0 g, 70 mmol) was added to compound 32 (9.4 g, 23 mmoL) in anhydrous DMF (110 mL) at room temperature. The mixture was refluxed for 16 h to cause decarboxylation and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude decarboxylation product was dissolved in EtOH (30 mL) and 0.5 N NaOH (30 mL) was added at room temperature and then the reaction was refluxed and monitored by TLC. After 30 min, ring closure was complete and the reaction was cooled to room temperature. Aqueous NH₄Cl was added and the product was extracted into EtOAc (100 mL×3) and dried. The combined extracts were filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford compound 33 (4.80 g, 55%) as a colorless oil: [α]_(D) ²⁵ −76.8 (c 1.10, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 5.79-5.68 (m, 1H), 4.96-4.85 (m, 2H), 3.39 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 1.09 (s, 9H), 0.82 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 198.7, 159.3, 138.1, 133.6, 114.3, 79.7, 72.0, 45.3, 44.3, 42.0, 37.4, 34.7, 33.3, 31.1, 30.8, 29.8, 28.5, 25.6, 24.3, 10.7; IR ν_(max) 2972, 1667, 1361 cm⁻¹. Anal. Cacld for (C₂₂H₃₄O₂): C, 79.95; H, 10.37. Found: C, 79.82; H, 10.51.

(1R,3aR,4aS,5aR,8aS,9aR)-5-(3-Buten-1-yl)-1-(1,1-dimethylethoxy)dodecahydro-9a-methyl-6H-benz[t]inden-6-one (34)

A three-neck flask equipped with a dry ice condenser was cooled to −78° C. and anhydrous ammonia (100 mL) was condensed into the flask. Lithium (0.73 g, 91 mmol, 7 equiv) was added and the resulting blue solution was stirred for 0.5 h. To this was added a solution of compound 33 (4.2 g, 13 mmol) in dry THF (100 mL). After 3 h of stirring, solid NH₄Cl was added until the blue color disappeared, and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Aqueous NH₄Cl was added and the product was extracted into EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. Flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) gave compound 34 (2.97 g, 71%) as a white semisolid: [α]_(D) ²⁵ −45.4 (c 0.26, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl3) δ 5.77-5.68 (m, 1H), 4.95-4.84 (m, 2H), 3.35 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 1.07 (s, 9H), 0.73 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl3) δ 212.1, 139.1, 114.5, 80.6, 72.2, 54.6, 48.7, 44.6, 44.4, 42.8, 42.2, 37.8, 34.5, 31.4 (2×C), 30.5, 28.9, 25.8, 24.4, 11.9; IR ν_(max) 1712, 1361 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₂₂H₃₆O₂): C, 79.46; H, 10.91. Found: C, 79.26; H, 11.19.

(1R,3aR,4aS,5R,8aS,9aR)-1-(1,1-Dimethylethoxy)dodecahydro-9a-methyl-5-(3-oxobutyl)-6H-benz[t]inden-6-one (35)

A suspension of PdCl₂ (36 mg, 0.2 mmol) and CuCl (842 mg, 8.5 mmol) was stirred in DMF/H₂O (15 mL, v/v=9/1) at room temperature under O₂ for 1 h. Compound 34 (2.80 g, 8.4 mmol) in DMF/H₂O (30 mL, v/v=9/1) was added by syringe. The reaction was stirred and monitored by TLC. After 20 h, water (40 mL) was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 35 (1.90 g, 64%) as a white semisolid: [α]_(D) ²⁵ −32.5 (c 0.16, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.33 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 2.49-2.09 (m, 5H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 1.05 (s, 9H), 0.71 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 212.1, 208.7, 80.2, 72.0, 54.0, 48.4, 44.3, 44.0, 42.5, 42.0, 40.9, 37.4, 34.2, 31.1, 30.1, 29.6, 28.6, 25.5, 19.2, 11.6; IR ν_(max) 1711, 1360 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₂₂H₃₆O₃): C, 75.82; H, 10.41. Found: C, 75.69; H, 10.54.

(6aS,7aR,8R,10aR,11aS,11bR)-1,2,5,6,6a,7,7a,8,9,10,10a,11,11a,11b-Tetradecahydro-8-hydroxy-7a-methyl-3H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-3-one (36)

To a solution of compound 35 (1.85 g, 5.3 mmol) in MeOH (50 mL) was added 3 N HCl (25 mL) at room temperature. The reaction was stirred and refluxed for 16 h. After cooling to room temperature, the product was extracted into dichloromethane (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 20% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 36 (1.21 g, 81%) as a white semisolid: [α]_(D) ²⁵+33.4 (c 0.30, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 5.69 (s, 1H), 3.55 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 0.67 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 199.7, 167.0, 124.0, 80.9, 49.2, 44.4, 43.8, 42.6, 42.4, 36.9, 35.9, 35.5, 33.7, 29.9, 29.2, 25.7, 25.0, 10.9.

In accordance with Scheme 8, the following compounds were prepared, using methods generally known in the art and as outlined below.

(4aS,6aS,7aR,8R,10aR,11aS,11bS)-Hexadecahydro-8-hydroxy-7a-methyl-3H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-3-one (37)

A three-neck flask fitted with a dry ice condenser was cooled to −78° C., and anhydrous ammonia (100 mL) was condensed into the flask. Lithium (0.21 g, 30 mmol) was added, and the resulting blue solution was stirred for 0.5 h. To this was added a solution of compound 36 (820 mg, 3.0 mmol) in dry THF (30 mL). After 3 h, solid NH₄Cl was added until the blue color disappeared. The cooling bath was removed and stirring was continued at room temperature overnight. Aqueous NH₄Cl was added and the product was extracted into EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined extracts were washed with brine, dried and the solvent evaporated. Flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) gave compound 37 (615 mg, 75%) as a white solid: [α]_(D) ²⁵ +52.3 (c 0.13, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.58 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 0.68 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 211.7, 81.3, 48.3, 47.8, 45.7, 44.9, 44.5, 43.6, 42.9, 41.0, 37.8, 34.2, 33.7, 30.1, 29.9, 29.0, 25.3, 11.0; IR νmax 3419, 1713 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₁₈H₂₈O₂): C, 78.21; H, 10.21. Found: C, 78.29; H, 10.12.

(4aS,6aS,7aR,10aR,11aS,11bS)-Dodecahydro-7a-methyl-1H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-3,8(2H,4H)-dione (38)

Jones reagent was added to a solution of compound 37 (605 mg, 2.2 mmol) in acetone (40 mL) at 0° C. until a brown-yellowish color persisted. After 10 min, 2-propanol (1.0 mL) was added to consume excess oxidant. Brine (50 mL) was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 20% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 38 (580 mg, 96%) as a white solid: [α]_(D) ²⁵ −13.1 (c 0.145, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 0.81 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 220.1, 211.0, 48.2, 47.8, 47.6, 45.6, 45.4, 43.5, 40.9, 38.9, 37.6, 3.54, 34.0, 33.4, 29.9, 28.7, 23.8, 13.4; IR ν_(max) 1716, 1715 cm⁻¹.

(3R,4aS,6aS,7aR,10aR,11aS,11bS)-Hexadecahydro-3-hydroxy-7a-methyl-8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-one (39)

To a solution of compound 38 (570 mg, 2.1 mmoL) in THF (20 mL) was added K-selectride (2.6 mmol, 2.6 mL, 1.0 M in THF) at −78° C. After 3 h, aqueous 10% NaOH (30 mL) and 30% H₂O₂ (20 mL) were added at −78° C. After addition, the reaction was warmed up to room temperature for 1 h. The product was extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3), and the combined extracts were dried, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 30% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 39 (456 mg, 80%) as a white solid: mp 143-145° C., [α]_(D) ²⁵ −41.0 (c 0.19, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.95-3.90 (m, 1H), 0.75 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 220.8, 65.8, 48.1, 47.5, 46.9, 45.4, 40.2, 39.1, 37.8, 35.8, 35.4, 33.8, 33.7, 32.5, 28.1, 23.8, 23.1, 13.3; IR ν_(max) 3422, 1737 cm⁻¹, Anal. Calcd for (O₁₈H₂₈O₂): C, 78.21; H, 10.21. Found: C, 78.29; H, 10.43.

(3R,4aS,6aS,7aR,10aS,11aS,11bS)-9(E)-Benzylidene-3-hydroxy-7a-methyl-hexadecahydro-8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-one (40)

To a solution of compound 39 (100 mg, 0.36 mmol) in ethanol (10 mL) was added benzaldehyde (97 mg, 0.9 mmol) and KOH (50 mg) at room temperature. After 16 h, aqueous NH₄Cl (50 mL) was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 20% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 40 (130 mg, 100%) as a white solid: [α]_(D) ²⁵ −15.7 (c 0.14, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.46-7.22 (m, 5H), 4.01 (s, 1H), 2.79 (dd, J=15.7 Hz, 6.1 Hz, 1H), 0.87 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 209.5, 136.0, 135.6, 132.7, 130.2, 129.0, 128.5, 66.2, 48.5, 47.5, 47.1, 43.8, 40.4, 39.4, 38.1, 36.1, 34.0, 33.9, 32.8, 31.4, 27.8, 23.3, 14.3; IR ν_(max) 3425, 1714, 1632 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₂₅H₃₂O₂): C, 82.37; H, 8.85. Found: C, 82.28; H, 9.06.

(3R,4aS,6aS,7aR,8R,10aS,11aS,11bS)-9(E)-Benzylidene-7a-methyl-hexadecahydro-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-3,8-diol (41)

To a solution of compound 40 (128 mg, 0.36 mmol) in ethanol (20 mL) was added CeCl₃.7H₂O (559 mg, 1.5 mmol) and NaBH₄ (57 mg, 1.5 mmol) at 0° C. After 1 h, aqueous NH₄Cl (50 mL) was added and the product was extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 30% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 41 (129 mg, 100%) as a white solid: [α]_(D) ²⁵+85.8 (c 0.365, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.40-7.25 (m, 5H), 6.44 (s, 1H), 4.04 (s, 1H), 3.99 (s, 1H), 2.59 (dd, J=16.5 Hz, 6.3 Hz, 1H), 0.62 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 146.1, 138.1, 128.5, 128.4, 126.4, 123.1, 85.2, 66.7, 48.7, 47.4, 44.6, 43.1, 42.8, 40.6, 38.6, 36.4, 34.4, 34.2, 33.2, 32.9, 28.2, 23.5, 11.4; IR ν_(max) 3384 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₂₅H₃₄O₂): C, 81.92; H, 9.35. Found: C, 81.74; H, 9.55.

(3R,4aS,6aS,7aR,8R,10aS,11aS,11bS)-9(E)-Benzylidene-7a-methyl-hexadecahydro-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-3,8-diol, diacetate (42)

To a solution of compound 41 (127 mg, 0.36 mmol) in dichloromethane (20 mL) was added Ac₂O (204.2 mg, 2.0 mmol), Et₃N (303.6 mg, 3.0 mmol) and DMAP (5 mg) at room temperature. After 30 min, water was added and the product extracted into dichloromethane (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 25% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 42 (156 mg, 100%) as a white solid [α]_(D) ²⁵ +48.3 (c 0.12, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.28-7.08 (m, 5H), 6.14 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 5.30 (s, 1H), 4.97 (s, 1H), 2.59 (dd, J=16.5 Hz, 6.9 Hz, 1H), 2.25-2.15 (m, 1H), 2.12 (s, 3H), 1.97 (s, 3H), 0.70 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 171.0, 170.5, 140.8, 137.5, 128.2, 126.4, 123.6, 84.5, 69.8, 48.2, 46.7, 44.4, 43.0, 42.8, 38.2, 37.4, 36.9, 34.0, 33.8, 32.9, 29.9, 27.9, 23.9, 21.3, 21.0, 12.2; IR ν_(max) 1735, 1368, 1238 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₂₉H₃₈O₄): C, 77.30; H, 8.50. Found: C, 77.50; H, 8.60.

(3R,4aS,6aS,7aR,8S,10aS,11aS,11bS)-3,8-Dihydroxy-7a-methyl-hexadecahydro-9H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-9-one, diacetate (43)

Compound 42 (154 mg, 0.34 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (40 mL) and EtOAc (20 mL) and cooled to −78° C. Ozone was bubbled through the solution for 30 min. Then Me₂S (5 mL) was added at −78° C., the cooling bath removed and stirring continued at room temperature for 16 h. Solvents were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 20% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 43 (128 mg, 97%) as a white solid [α]_(D) ²⁵ +161.7 (c 0.12, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.99-4.96 (m, 2H), 2.26-2.23 (m, 1H), 2.10 (s, 3H), 1.98 (s, 3H), 0.77 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 211.0, 170.7, 170.4, 85.7, 69.8, 48.3, 46.8, 44.2, 41.9, 39.5, 38.2, 38.1, 37.5, 37.0, 33.9, 33.8, 30.0, 27.4, 24.0, 21.5, 20.8, 12.6; IR ν_(max) 1763, 1736 cm⁻¹. MS (FAB) for [C₂₂H₃₂O₅+H]⁺: 377.2328. Found: 377.2328.

(3R,4aS,6aS,7aS,10aS,11aS,11bS)-3-Hydroxy-7a-methyl-hexadecahydro-9H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-9-one, acetate (44)

Freshly prepared samarium filings (300 mg, 2.0 mmol) were added to THF (5 mL) followed by iodide (435 mg, 1.5 mmol) addition in THF (5 mL). The mixture was stirred under N₂ for 1 h until it became a deep blue solution. Compound 43 (126 mg, 0.335 mmol) in THF (8 mL) and methanol (2 mL) was added. After 1 h, aqueous Na₂CO₃ (30 mL) was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 20% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 44 (105 mg, 99%) as a white solid [α]_(D) ²⁵+166.2 (c 0.13, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 5.01-4.99 (m, 1H), 2.17-1.97 (m, 3H), 2.00 (s, 3H), 0.84 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 218.3, 170.4, 69.7, 55.3, 48.4, 46.7, 46.0, 45.6, 41.1, 38.9, 38.4, 37.4, 36.9, 33.9, 33.7, 29.9, 27.5, 23.9, 21.3, 18.0; IR ν_(max) 1736, 1244 cm⁻¹. MS (FAB) for [C₂₀H₃₀O₃+H]⁺: 319.2273. Found: 319.2273.

(3R,4aS,6aS,7aS,10aS,11aS,11bS)-3-Hydroxy-7a-methyl-hexadecahydro-9H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-9-one (45)

To a solution of compound 44 (100 mg, 0.31 mmol) in methanol (20 mL) and water (2 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (500 mg, 3.6 mmol) at room temperature and the reaction was refluxed for 2 h. After cooling to room temperature, brine (30 mL) was added and the product was extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 30% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 45 (70 mg, 81%) as a white solid: mp 165-166° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁵ +205.3 (c, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.10 (s, 1H), 0.88 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) S 218.7, 66.2, 55.4, 48.5, 47.1, 46.0, 45.6, 41.2, 40.4, 39.0, 38.5, 36.1, 34.0, 33.9, 32.8, 27.6, 23.2, 18.0; IR ν_(max) 3427, 1742 cm⁻¹. MS (FAB) for [C₁₈H₂₈O₂]⁺: 276.2089. Found: 276.2086.

In accordance with Scheme 9, the following compounds were prepared, using methods generally known in the art and as outlined below.

(2′R,3R,4aS,6aS,7aR,10aR,11aS,11bS)-Hexadecahydro-7a-methyl-spiro[8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-8,2′-oxiran]-3-ol (46)

To a solution of compound 45 (45 mg, 0.16 mmol) in DMSO (3 mL) was added trimethylsulfonium iodide (202 mg, 1.0 mmol) and potassium tert-butoxide (112 mg, 1.0 mmol) at room temperature. After 3 h, water was added (20 mL) and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 30% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 46 (35 mg, 75%) as a white solid: mp 165-167° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁵ +20.0 (c 0.12, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.08 (s, 1H), 2.90 (d, J=15.2 Hz, 1H), 2.60 (d, J=15.2 Hz, 1H), 0.87 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 70.5, 66.5, 53.6, 48.3, 47.2, 47.0, 42.1, 40.4, 40.2, 37.9, 36.2, 34.2, 34.0, 32.8, 29.0, 28.8, 25.8, 23.3, 14.3; IR ν_(max) 3418, 1443, 1378, 851 cm⁻¹. MS (FAB) for [C₁₉H₃₀O₂]⁺: 290.2246. Found: 290.2243.

(3R,4aS,6aS,7aR,10aR,11aS,11bS)-3-(Methoxymethoxy)-7a-methyl-hexadecahydro-8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-one (47)

To a solution of compound 46 (200 mg, 0.72 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (10 mL) was added N,N-diisopropylethylamine (260 mg, 2.0 mmol) and chloromethyl methyl ether (241 mg, 3.0 mmol) at room temperature. After 16 h, water (30 mL) was added and the product extracted into dichloromethane (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 47 (230 mg, 100%) as a white solid: [α]_(D) ²⁵ −40.0 (c 0.20, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.60 (s, 2H), 3.83-3.82 (m, 1H), 3.31 (s, 3H), 0.81 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 220.9, 94.5, 71.2, 55.0, 48.3, 47.7, 46.9, 45.6, 39.3, 38.1, 37.9, 36.6, 35.6, 33.9, 30.2, 28.3, 24.0, 2.39, 13.5; IR ν_(max) 1740 cm⁻¹.

1,1,1-Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (3R,4aS,6aS,7aR,10aS,11aS,11bS)-3-(Methoxymethoxy)-7a-methyl-2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,7a,10,10a,11,11a,11b-tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-yl ester (48)

To a solution of compound 47 (230 mg, 0.72 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added KHMDS (1.5 mmol, 0.5 M in toluene) at −78° C. After 30 min, N-phenyltrifluoromethanesulfonimide (536 mg, 1.5 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added at −78° C. After 2 h, aqueous NH₄Cl (50 mL) was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 48 (350 mg containing an aromatic impurity from the sulfonamide reagent): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 5.54 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 4.63 (s, 2H), 3.86-3.85 (m, 1H), 3.34 (s, 3H), 0.96 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 159.6, 114.4, 94.5, 71.3, 55.0, 49.0, 48.9, 47.0, 44.9, 40.4, 38.2, 36.8, 34.0, 33.9, 30.6, 30.2, 26.7, 23.9, 15.5.

(3R,4aS,6aS,7aR,10aS,11aS,11bS)-3-(Methoxymethoxy)-7a-methyl-2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,7a,10,10a,11,11a,11b-tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-8-carbonitrile (49)

To compound 49 (350 mg containing the impurity carried over from compound 48) in acetonitrile (20 mL) was added sodium cyanide (103 mg, 2.1 mmol), copper (I) iodide (28 mg, 0.14 mmol) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (37 mg, 0.035 mmol). The reaction was refluxed for 16 h. After cooling to room temperature, aqueous NH₄Cl (50 mL) was added and the product was extracted into dichloromethane (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 49 (250 mg, containing the aromatic impurity carried over from compound 48): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 6.60-6.58 (m, 1H), 4.64 (s, 2H), 3.85-3.80 (m, 1H), 3.34 (s, 3H), 0.85 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 147.5, 127.6, 116.1, 94.3, 71.8, 54.9, 50.4, 48.9, 48.3, 46.8, 41.6, 38.4, 37.9, 36.7, 34.9, 33.9 (2C), 30.0, 26.5, 23.8, 16.4. MS (FAB) for [C₂₁H₃₁NO₂+Na]⁺: 352.2252. Found: 352.2252.

(3R,4aS,6aS,7aR,8R,10aS,11aS,11bS)-3-(Methoxymethoxy)-7a-methyl-hexadecahydro-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-8-carbonitrile (50)

To a solution of compound 49 (250 mg containing the aromatic impurity carried over from compound 48) in EtOAc (40 mL) was added Pd/C (100 mg) at room temperature. Hydrogenation was carried out under 60 psi H₂. After 3 h, the pressure was released and the mixture was filtered through Celite which was washed with EtOAc (100 mL). Solvent was removed and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 10% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 50 (250 mg containing the aromatic impurity carried over from compound 48): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.64 (s, 2H), 3.85-3.80 (m, 1H), 3.34 (s, 3H), 0.83 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 121.2, 94.3, 71.8, 54.9, 48.3, 47.9, 46.7, 44.9, 44.4, 39.7, 38.1, 37.9, 36.6, 33.8, 33.7, 30.0, 28.3, 26.3, 26.2, 23.7, 14.2.

(3R,4aS,6aS,7aR,8R,10aR,11aS,11bS)-3-Hydroxy-7a-methyl-hexadecahydro-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-8-carbonitrile (51)

To a solution of compound 50 (250 mg containing the aromatic impurity carried over from compound 48) in methanol (30 mL) was added 6 N HCl (15 mL) at room temperature. After 4 h, the product was extracted into dichloromethane (50 mL×3), and the combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 25% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 51 (84 mg): mp. 163-165° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁵ −33.9 (c 0.18, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.06-4.00 (m, 1H), 0.88 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 121.4, 66.2, 48.4, 48.0, 47.0, 45.0, 44.2, 40.3, 39.8, 38.1, 36.0, 33.9, 33.8, 32.7, 28.4, 26.4 (2×C), 23.2, 14.2; IR ν_(max) 3456, 2235 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₁₉H₂₉NO): C, 79.39; H, 10.17. Found: C, 79.16; H, 10.14.

1-[(3R,4aS,6aS,7aR,8R,10aR,11aS,11bS)(3-Hydroxy-7a-methyl-hexadecahydro-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-8-yl]-ethanone (52)

To a solution of compound 51 (60 mg, 0.2 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added methyl magnesiumbromide (2 mmol, 3 M in ether, 0.67 mL) at room temperature. The reaction was refluxed for 16 h and then cooled to room temperature. Aqueous NH₄Cl (30 mL) was added and after stirring was continued for 30 min, the product was extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 25% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 52 (36 mg, 57%): mp 128-130° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁵ −72.3 (c 0.11, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 4.09-4.05 (m, 1H), 2.55 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 2.12 (s, 3H), 0.60 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 209.8, 66.5, 63.6, 50.7, 48.2, 47.2 (2×C), 44.1, 40.4, 38.4, 36.2, 34.3, 34.0, 32.9, 31.5, 28.4, 26.5, 23.3, 22.6, 13.4; IR ν_(max) 3387, 1703 cm⁻¹. MS (FAB) for [C₂₀H₃₂O₂+H]⁺: 305.2481. Found: 305.2487.

In accordance with Scheme 10, the following compounds were prepared, using methods generally known in the art and as outlined below.

(4aR,6aS,7aR,8R,10aR,11aS,11bS)-Hexadecahydro-8-hydroxy-7a-methyl-3H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthren-3-one (53)

To compound 36 (120 mg, 0.44 mmol) in pyridine (40 mL) was added Pd/C (100 mg) at room temperature. Hydrogenation was carried out under 60 psi H₂. After 3 h, the pressure was released and the mixture was filtered through Celite® 545 which was washed with EtOAc (100 mL). Solvents were removed and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 25% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 53 (120 mg, 4aR:4aS ratio 2.5:1): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 4aR diastereoisomer −3.66 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 2.58 (t, J=14.0 Hz, 1H), 2.24-0.79 (m, 23H), 0.72 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 213.2, 81.8, 45.3, 44.8, 43.3, 43.0, 40.2, 38.8, 38.6, 36.7, 31.1, 30.4, 29.1, 29.0, 27.4, 25.7, 11.4.

(4aR,6aS,7aR,10aR,11aS,11bS)-Dodecahydro-7a-methyl-1H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-3,8(2H,4H)-dione (54)

Jones reagent was added to a solution of compound 53 (115 mg, 0.42 mmol) in acetone (20 mL) at 0° C. until a brown-yellowish color persisted. After 10 min, 2-propanol (1.0 mL) was added to consume excess oxidant and then brine (50 mL) was added. The product was extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3), and the combined extracts were dried, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 25% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 54 (110 mg 4aR:4aS ratio 2.5:1) as a white solid: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 0.84 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) 4aR diastereomer δ 220.3, 212.2, 47.8, 45.6, 42.6, 39.8, 39.0, 38.5, 38.2, 38.1, 36.3, 35.4, 30.7, 28.5, 28.4, 27.1, 23.9, 13.5.

(4aR,6aS,7aR,10aR,11aS,11bS)-Hexadecahydro-3-hydroxy-7a-methyl-8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-8-one (55)

To a solution of compound 54 (110 mg, 0.4 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added LiAI(O^(t)Bu)₃H at −40° C. After 2 h, 3 N HCl, was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 25% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 55 (4aR separated from 4aS diastereomer, 65 mg, 56% from compound 36) as a white solid: mp 174-176° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁵ −36.2 (c 0.21, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.65-3.55 (m, 1H), 0.82 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 221.1, 71.4, 47.9, 45.7, 40.1, 39.1, 38.8, 38.4, 36.2, 35.6, 35.5, 31.7, 29.6, 29.3, 28.4, 25.5, 24.0, 13.5; IR ν_(max) 3460, 1738 cm⁻¹. Anal. Calcd for (C₁₈H₂₈O₂): C, 78.21; H, 10.21. Found: C, 78.37; H, 10.20.

(2′R,3R,4aR,6aS,7aR,10aR,11aS,11 bS)-Hexadecahydro-7a-methyl-Spiro[8H-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene-8,2′-oxiran]-3-ol (56)

To a solution of compound 55 (40 mg, 0.144 mmol) in DSMO (3 mL) was added trimethylsulfonium iodide (204 mg, 1.0 mmol) and potassium tert-butoxide (112 mg, 1.0 mmol) at room temperature. After 3 h, water (20 mL) was added and the product extracted into EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel eluted with 30% EtOAc in hexanes) to give compound 56 (27 mg, 65%) as a white solid: mp 163-165° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁵ +16.7 (c 0.12, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.64-3.60 (m, 1H), 2.90 (d, J=15.0 Hz, 1H), 2.61 (d, J=15.2 Hz, 1H), 0.86 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 71.7, 70.5, 53.6, 47.1, 41.6, 40.7, 39.1, 38.6, 38.1, 36.2, 35.1, 35.0, 33.6, 33.0, 30.4, 29.8, 28.9, 25.6, 14.5; IR ν_(max) 3379, 1443, 1375 cm⁻¹. MS (FAB) for [C₁₉H₃₀O₂]⁺: 290.2246. Found: 290.2243.

[³⁵S]-TBPS Displacement

The IC₅₀ values for non-competitive displacers of [³⁵5]-TBPS from the picrotoxin binding site on GABA_(A) receptors are reported in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Inhibition of [³⁵S]-TBPS Binding (nM) Com- pound IC₅₀ n_(Hill) Structure 1 Compounds MQ-31 61 ± 4 1.02 ± 0.06 MQ-32 147 ± 9  0.97 ± 0.05 MQ-33 62 ± 6 0.92 ± 0.07 MQ-36 1,730 ± 120  1.26 ± 0.09 MQ-37 46 ± 4 1.29 ± 0.12 MQ-38 52 ± 7 1.06 ± 0.13 MQ-39 65 ± 7 0.89 ± 0.08 MQ-83  748 ± 103 1.08 ± 0.13 MQ-85 29 ± 7 0.93 ± 0.16 MQ-86 43 ± 3 0.89 ± 0.05 MQ-87 14 ± 2 0.79 ± 0.07 Structure 2 Compounds MQ-47 1,330 ± 450  1.04 ± 0.29 MQ-48  282 ± 197 0.60 ± 0.21 MQ-49 1,580 ± 250  1.04 ± 0.14 MQ-50 1,060 ± 240  0.90 ± 0.15 MQ-51  5,860 ± 1,380 1.02 ± 0.13 MQ-53 3,630 ± 800  3.07 ± 2.34 MQ-54 1,990 ± 190  5.28 ± 1.13

Results presented are from duplicate experiments performed in triplicate. Error limits are calculated as standard error of the mean. Methods used are known in the art (see Jiang, X., et al., Neurosteroid analogues. 9. Conformationally constrained pregnanes: structure-activity studies of 13,24-cyclo-18,21-dinorcholane analogues of the GABA modulatory and anesthetic steroids (3a,5a)- and (3a,5a)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one. J. Med. Chem., 46: 5334-48 (2003)—the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety).

Electrophysiology Results

The compounds of the present disclosure were evaluated for the ability to potentiate chloride currents mediated by 2 μM GABA at rat α₁β₂γ_(2L) type GABA_(A) receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and the results are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Analogue Potentiation of GABA Effects at Rat α1β2γ2GABA_(A) Receptors Expressed in Frog Oocytes Oocyte electrophysiology Com- 0.1 1.0 10 (gating) 10 pound μM μM μM μM Structure 1 Compounds MQ-31 1.49 ± 0.09 3.93 ± 0.20 8.25 ± 0.71 0.02 ± 0.02 MQ-32 1.64 ± 0.02 3.21 ± 0.13 8.77 ± 1.65 0.12 ± 0.01 MQ-33 1.68 ± 0.10 5.30 ± 0.75 9,08 ± 1.83 0.02 ± 0.01 MQ-36 1.11 ± 0.09 1.22 ± 0.05 3.81 ± 0.45 −0.06 ± 0.06  MQ-37 1.91 ± 0.17 16.12 ± 2.24  27.57 ± 5.45  0.54 ± 0.44 MQ-38 1.51 ± 0.19 6.92 ± 1.29 12.50 ± 1.98  0.51 ± 0.48 MQ-39 1.32 ± 0.03 3.82 ± 0.36 7.91 ± 0.64 0.03 ± 0.0  MQ-83 0.85 ± 0.07 1.03 ± 0.06 6.35 ± 0.81 0.1 ± 0.2 MQ-85 2.08 ± 0.23 9.59 ± 1.77 17.18 ± 3.31  0.10 ± 0.02 MQ-86 2.25 ± 0.11 10.95 ± 1.05  19.64 ± 2.06  0.16 ± 0.03 MQ-87 1.93 ± 0.14 10.95 ± 0.55  16.10 ± 0.87  0.04 ± 0.01 Structure 2 Compounds MQ-47 1.10 ± 0.20 1.50 ± 0.28 6.42 ± 1.11 −0.01 ± 0.03  MQ-48 1.03 ± 0.01 1.64 ± 0.06 7.10 ± 1.51 0.01 ± 0.0  MQ-49 0.92 ± 0.01 1.02 ± 0.01 1.86 ± 0.06 0.02 ± 0.01 MQ-50 1.02 ± 0.01 1.18 ± 0.02 1.98 ± 0.07 0.0 ± 0.0 MQ-51 0.97 ± 0.03 1.02 ± 0.02 1.59 ± 0.11 0.08 ± 0.08 MQ-53 1.41 ± 0.09 8.47 ± 0.76 14.53 ± 1.38  0.12 ± 0.02 MQ-54 1.01 ± 0.05 4.03 ± 0.31 11.41 ± 1.18  0.05 ± 0.01

The GABA concentration used for the control response was 2 μM. Each compound was evaluated on at least four different oocytes at the concentrations indicated, and the results reported are the ratio of currents measured in the presence/absence of added compound. Gating represents direct current gated by 10 μM compound in the absence of GABA, and this current is reported as the ratio of compound only current/2 μM GABA current. Error limits are calculated as standard error of the mean (N≧4). Methods used are known in the art (see Jiang, X., et al.).

Tadpole Loss of Righting and Swimming

Table 3 discloses the anesthetic effects of the compounds of the present disclosure. In particular, the anesthetic effect of the compounds of the present disclosure on Loss of Righting Reflex (LRR) and Loss of Swimming Reflex (LSR).

TABLE 3 Tadpole Loss of Righting (LRR) & Loss of Swimming (LSR) EC₅₀ Values (μM) Reflexes by Analogues Tadpole Tadpole Tadpole Tadpole Com- LRR LRR LSR LSR pound EC₅₀ (μM) n_(Hill) EC₅₀ (μM) n_(Hill) Structure 1 Compounds MQ-31 0.43 ± 0.08 −2.91 ± 1.16 1.04 ± 0.0  −16.9 ± 0.7 MQ-32 0.36 ± 0.13 −4.97 ± 5.92 1.07 ± 0.0  −21.1 ± 1.0 MQ-33 0.24 ± 0.01 −2.65 ± 0.15 0.55 ± 0.01 −33.3 ± 0.1 MQ-36 7.90 ± 4.45 −1.57 ± 0.84 >30 — MQ-37 0.16 ± 0.0  −2.87 ± 0.06 0.54 ± 0.01 −33.3 ± 0.1 MQ-38 0.38 ± 0.06 −4.88 ± 3.39 0.87 ± 0.0  −20.4 ± 0.5 MQ-39 0.34 ± 0.0  −19.3 ± 0.7  1.07 ± 0.0  −16.1 ± 0.9 MQ-83 2.19 ± 0.44 −1.79 ± 0.47 5.48 ± 0.12 −33.3 ± 0.1 MQ-85 0.35 ± 0.02 −2.60 ± 0.55 0.55 ± 0.01 −33.3 ± 0.1 MQ-86 0.38 ± 0.05 −4.87 ± 2.93 0.55 ± 0.01 −33.3 ± 0.1 MQ-87 0.10 ± 0.01 −20.6 ± 0.6  0.33 ± 0.0   −149 ± 0.5 Structure 2 Compounds MQ-47 3.76 ± 5.22 −4.87 ± 28.4 None @ 10 — MQ-48 2.39 ± 0.28 −2.10 ± 0.42 7.49 ± 0.0  −28.6 ± 0.0 MQ-49 2.40 ± 0.76 −1.71 ± 0.67 5.48 ± 0.12 −33.3 ± 0.1 MQ-50 2.01 ± 1.3  −1.30 ± 0.67   10 — MQ-51 None @ 10 — None @ 10 — MQ-53 1.49 ± 0.19 −1.91 ± 0.36 3.34 ± 0.09 −16.0 ± 3.9 MQ-54 3.34 ± 0.11 −16.3 ± 5.3  5.48 ± 0.2  −33.3 ± 0.1

Methods used are known in the art (see Jiang, X., et al.). Error limits are calculated as standard error of the mean (N=10 or more animals at each of five or more different concentrations).

EQUIVALENTS AND SCOPE

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several advantages of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results attained. As various changes could be made in the above processes and composites without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the various versions, embodiment(s) or aspects thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. It is also noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, “having” or “containing” are intended to be open and permits the inclusion of additional elements or steps. 

What is claimed is: 1-20. (canceled)
 21. A compound of Formula (II):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: R₁ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(z), where R_(z) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(y), where R_(y) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(x), where R_(x) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl; R₂ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(w), where R_(w) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(v), where R_(v) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(u), where R_(u) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl; R₃ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(t), where R_(t) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(s), where R_(s) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(r), where R_(r) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl; R₄ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl; R₅ is H, CO₂R_(q), where R_(q) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂OR_(p), where R_(p) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, C(O)R_(o), where R_(o) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, C(O)NHR_(n), where R_(n) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂NHR_(m), where R_(m) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, CH₂N(CH₃)₂, or CH₂N(CH₂CH₃)₂, R₆ is H; R₇ is H, ═O, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, OR_(j), where R_(j) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl, or NR_(i), where R_(i) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl; R₉ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl; R₁₀ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl; R₁₁ is H or C(O)R_(g), where R_(g) is optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl; R₁₂ is H, N(CH₃)₂, N(CH₂CH₃)₂, optionally substituted morpholinyl, or OR_(h), where R_(h) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl; and, - - - denotes an optional, additional C—C bond, resulting in either a C═C bond between, C₁-C₂, C₄-C_(4a), C_(4a)-C₅, C₈-C₉, or C₉-C₁₀, with the provisos that when present between: (i) C₄-C_(4a), the C_(4a)—H substituent is not present; (ii) C_(4a)-C₅, the C_(4a)—H substituent is not present and R₇ is other than ═O; (iii) C₉-C₁₀, R₁ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(z), and R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w); and, (iv) C₈-C₉, R₂ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(w), and R₃ is other than ═O, ═CHCN or ═CHCO₂R_(t).
 22. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₁₁ is H.
 23. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₃ is ═O.
 24. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₃ is α-CN.
 25. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₃ is C(O)CH₃.
 26. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₃ is spiroepoxy.
 27. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₂ is ═O.
 28. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₉ is H.
 29. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₁₂ is H.
 30. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₁ is H.
 31. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₂ is H.
 32. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₃ is H.
 33. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₄ is methyl.
 34. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₅ is H.
 35. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₇ is H.
 36. The compound of claim 21, wherein R₁₀ is H.
 37. The compound of claim 21, wherein the C_(4a)—H is in the alpha configuration.
 38. The compound of claim 21, of structure (II-a):

wherein R₂ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(w), where R_(w) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(v), where R_(v) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(u), where R_(u) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl; and, R₃ is H, ═O, ═CHCN, ═CHCO₂R_(t), where R_(t) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-CN, α-OH, α-OR_(s), where R_(s) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, α-NO₂, spiroepoxy, or C(O)R_(r), where R_(r) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl.
 39. The compound of claim 21 selected from the group consisting of:

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 40. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 21, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a combination of two or more thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 